Nothing is quite so wretchedly corrupt as an aristocracy which has lost its power but kept its wealth and which still has endless leisure to devote to nothing but banal enjoyments. All its great thoughts and passionate energy are things of the past, and nothing but a host of petty, gnawing vices now cling to it like worms to a corpse.

Summary

This quote suggests that when an aristocracy loses its power and retains its wealth, it becomes exceedingly corrupt. With excessive leisure time, they indulge in meaningless and superficial pleasures, lacking the greatness and passion of their previous endeavors. Instead, they are plagued by petty vices, symbolized by worms clinging to a decaying corpse. This quote highlights the idea that without purpose or responsibility, the aristocracy is reduced to a state of moral decay and insignificance.

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