"Once I was standing in line to buy a telephone and Senator Wirth was in line with me. The next day the New York Times reported that we'd both purchased telephones and what price we'd paid!"

The quote from Harold H. Greene reviews an age when individual privacy was considered given, and how the lines between public interest and private lives have actually blurred with time. Greene, a significant figure in the legal landscape, most especially for his contributions to the antitrust case against AT&T that improved the telecommunications market, utilizes this anecdote to exhibit how even ordinary actions like purchasing a telephone can become topics of public analysis.

The mention of standing in line with Senator Wirth includes a layer of intrigue due to Wirth's status, highlighting how public figures, even in routine situations, bring in media attention. This reviews the prevalent nature of media in the lives of public figures, and possibly serves as a commentary on how society's fascination with the lives of influential individuals can in some cases intrude on personal privacy. In addition, Greene's surprise at the New York Times reporting such a minor matter shows a time when media protection was beginning to shift towards more individual, less significant stories, feeding the public's hunger for star and political figures' every movement.

Greene's anecdote stands as a microcosm of bigger societal modifications concerning privacy, media consumption, and the crossway of personal life with public service. It discreetly critiques the media and public for concentrating on insignificant information instead of considerable concerns. Additionally, it highlights a broader discussion about how technological advancements and media evolution effect individual privacy.

In summary, by stimulating a basic act of buying a telephone, Greene talk about the altering landscape of privacy, the reach of media, and the public's interest in the individual lives of those in power. It's a reminder of the balance that need to be struck between public interest and personal privacy, particularly in an age where info is easily accessible.