People in high life are hardened to the wants and distresses of mankind as surgeons are to their bodily pains.

Summary

This quote suggests that individuals in positions of wealth and privilege become desensitized to the struggles and suffering of others, similar to how surgeons become immune to their own physical ailments due to their constant exposure to pain. It implies that the privileged class, disconnected from the difficulties faced by the common people, develop a certain indifference or callousness towards the hardships of those less fortunate.

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