In James Clavell's novel "Tai-Pan," the quote reflects a character's disdain for titles and the social hierarchies associated with them. The speaker expresses a deep-seated frustration with the idea that a title can grant superiority, especially when such titles are often inherited from disreputable sources, including questionable relationships or violent means.

This sentiment reveals a broader critique of aristocratic privileges, suggesting that respect and honor should not be conferred through mere titles but should be earned through merit and character. The quote encapsulates a longing for a more egalitarian society, one where worth is determined by individual actions rather than ancestral lineage.