Posted by Kathy F. on June 28, 1997 at 21:08:18:
In reply to Re: Peerage posted by Arami on June 28, 1997 at 12:10:08
] ] ] . . . a title carried unwanted obligations.
] ] What sort of obligations? (I know absolutely nothing about titles, etc.)
] I am not an expert, either! However, peerage usually meant membership of the House of Lords, a political/government career out of a sense of duty and not choice, easier access to the Court and all its favours, expectation/temptation to get involved in various political factions, clubs, campaigns, sponsorships, suspicion - real or imaginary - of shady deals - that kind of thing. Not every wealthy man aspired to that kind of life.
Perhaps like our modern-day "rich" professions such as doctors and lawyers? They feel pressured to act rich so they buy expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, etc., and end up with very little, compared to what they could have gotten.
Kathy
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