Of England's patrician class, the author writes: "It was easy to be agreeable when everything was done to keep them in comfort and ease.

The English patrician bloomed in his natural climate.

Isolation might be more hazardous than splendor.

The author says one patrician English leader saw his relationship with the populace thusly: He wasn't responsible TO them. He was responsible FOR them. He was responsible for their care.

Advice to young Samuel Gompers that might apply in many other areas: "Learn from socialism, but don't join it.

A relentless talent for tactlessness.