Quote by Charles Horton Cooley
Between richer and poorer classes in a free country a mutually respecting antagonism is much healthier than pity on the one hand and dependence on the other, as is, perhaps, the next best thing to fraternal feeling.
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Summary
This quote suggests that in a free country, it is preferable to have a healthy and respectful conflict between the richer and poorer classes, rather than the poor being pitied and dependent on the rich. The quote implies that a balanced sense of mutual respect and antagonism allows for a more equitable interaction between the classes, fostering a sense of independence and self-sufficiency among the disadvantaged. It also implies that this dynamic, while not ideal, can be considered a step towards achieving a sense of unity and brotherhood between different social classes.