"There is something suspicious about music, gentlemen. I insist that she is, by her nature, equivocal. I shall not be going too far in saying at once that she is politically suspect"

In this quote, Thomas Mann is referring to the ambiguous nature of music, recommending that it can not be quickly categorized or comprehended. He argues that there is something inherently suspicious about music, as it does not conform to the precise meanings and borders of other art forms. Mann goes on to suggest that music is "politically suspect," meaning that it has the potential to challenge and subvert established class structure. In general, this declaration reflects Mann's point of view on the power and significance of music, while also hinting at the potentially subversive nature of this art kind.