"For the duration of its collective life, or the time during which its identity may be assumed, each class resembles a hotel or an omnibus, always full, but always of different people"

This quote by Joseph A. Schumpeter is a metaphor for the transient nature of social classes. He is recommending that social classes are constantly altering and evolving, with new individuals entering and leaving the class. Similar to a hotel or an omnibus, the people in the class are constantly changing, however the class itself stays the exact same. This quote highlights the idea that social classes are not fixed, however rather are continuously in flux. It likewise suggests that social classes are not exclusive, as anybody can enter or leave a class at any time. This quote is a pointer that social classes are not permanent, and that people can move in between classes throughout their lives.