Down and Out in Paris and London

by George Orwell

Poverty frees them from ordinary standards of behaviour, just as money frees people from work.

‘Comment épouser un soldat, moi qui aime tout le régiment?’;

he allowed us two litres of wine a day each, knowing that if a plongeur is not given two litres he will steal three.

The doorkeeper, who paid our wages and searched us for stolen food, was the greatest thief in the hotel.