In "Among the Mad" by Jacqueline Winspear, the speaker suggests that answers to questions are reserved for those in positions of authority or with notable achievements, indicated by silver embellishments on their uniforms. This implies a hierarchy where only certain individuals earn the right to be informed, reflecting societal structures that value rank and distinction.

This quote highlights the theme of power dynamics in communication, indicating that not everyone is granted a voice or recognition in discussions. It suggests an unsettling truth about how knowledge and information can be gated by status, underlying the broader social commentary present throughout Winspear’s work.