In this quote, Edith Sitwell expresses her frustration with those who lack competence but still have access to valuable resources or opportunities, specifically mentioning pianos as an example. She suggests that it would be fitting for such individuals to face a financial burden in the form of a tax on musical instruments like pianos.
Beyond its surface meaning, the quote serves as a critique of societal and governmental practices where incompetence is rewarded or at least not penalized appropriately. Sitwell’s statement can be seen as a call for accountability and fairness within systems that often overlook merit when distributing resources. It also reflects a broader commentary on how societies might better allocate their resources to those who demonstrate skill, dedication, and competence rather than allowing them to fall into the wrong hands.
Edith Sitwell was an English poet born in 1887 and died in 1964. Known for her modernist poetry and critical essays, she was part of a prominent literary family and made significant contributions to literature during the early and mid-20th century. Her work often reflected on social issues and the complexities of human relationships.