Quote by James Russell Lowell
What men prize most is a privilege, even if it be that of chief mourner at a funeral.

Summary
This quote suggests that men value privileges and social status above all else, to the point where they may even desire the privilege of being the chief mourner at a funeral. It implies that the desire for recognition and importance in society is a deeply ingrained trait in men, who are willing to seek even somber distinctions to fulfill this need. The quote serves as a commentary on the human tendency for seeking privileges, which can sometimes overshadow more profound and meaningful aspects of life.