We do not talk about wise men or wise ladies any more, she reflected; their place had been taken, it seemed, by all sorts of shallow people-actors and the like-who were only too ready to pronounce on all sorts of subjects.
The quote reflects a shift in society's focus from truly wise individuals to superficial figures who often dominate public discourse. The character observes that wisdom has been overshadowed by people in entertainment, such as actors, who readily share opinions on various topics without the depth of understanding that comes with genuine wisdom.
This commentary can be seen as a critique of contemporary culture, where celebrity status often grants authority over serious subjects. The decline of traditional wisdom highlights a societal preference for those who are charismatic rather than knowledgeable, raising concerns about the quality of public conversation and understanding.
