"The earth is the earth as a peasant sees it, the world is the world as a duchess sees it, and anyway a duchess would be nothing if the earth was not there as the peasant sees it"

This quote by Gertrude Stein speaks with the concept of viewpoint and how it shapes our view of the world. The earth is seen in a different way by a peasant than it is by a duchess. The peasant sees the earth as a source of sustenance and income, while the duchess might see it as a source of wealth and power. Nevertheless, the duchess would not be able to enjoy her wealth and power if the earth was not there as the peasant sees it. This quote is a tip that we all have different perspectives which we must be mindful of how our views shape our understanding of the world. It likewise serves as a suggestion that we are all linked which we should appreciate the contributions of all individuals, despite their social status.