"It takes two or three generations to do what I tried to do in one; and my impulses — affections — vices perhaps they should be called — were too str… - Thomas Hardy

"It takes two or three generations to do what I tried to do in one; and my impulses — affections — vices perhaps they should be called — were too strong not to hamper a man without advantages; who should be as cold-blooded as a fish and as selfish as a pig to have a really good chance of being one of his country's worthies. You may ridicule me — I am quite willing that you should — I am a fit subject, no doubt. But I think if you knew what I have gone through these last few years you would rather pity me. And if they knew" — he nodded towards the college at which the dons were severally arriving — "it is just possible they would do the same."