rank and dignity in society must take a new ground. The old one has fallen through. It must now take the substantial ground of character, instead of the chimerical ground of titles; and they have brought their titles to the altar, and made of them a burnt-offering to reason.
The modern day has declined, and both rank and "dignity" are now a matter of wealth and fame.
Though, I believe this has always been the true nature of things. Rank, title, office, job description; these are just ways of advertising wealth and status so people know it might be profitable to kiss your ass.
