Meaning: The quote "He thinks with regret of the great days when he could at harvest time at least go down into Hungary and work on the big estates and bring back, as his wage, a side of bacon for the winter. That was wealth, to him." by Douglas Reed, a journalist, reflects a poignant sentiment of longing for the past and a simpler way of life. This quote conveys a sense of nostalgia for a time when the speaker had the opportunity to engage in physical labor, earn a modest wage, and derive satisfaction from the simple pleasures of life.

In this quote, the speaker reminisces about a time when he could travel to Hungary during harvest season and find work on large estates. The act of physical labor and the ability to earn a wage were sources of pride and fulfillment for the speaker. The mention of bringing back a side of bacon for the winter highlights the modest yet meaningful rewards that were cherished in the past. This simple act of earning a side of bacon symbolizes a form of wealth and sustenance that held great value for the speaker.

The quote also evokes a sense of loss and longing for a bygone era. The speaker's wistful recollection of the "great days" suggests that the current circumstances are not as fulfilling or rewarding. There is a yearning for the simplicity and satisfaction of the past, where hard work and tangible rewards were deeply appreciated.

It is important to consider the historical context in which this quote was written. Douglas Reed, the journalist who penned these words, lived during a time of significant social and economic change. The quote may reflect the sentiments of individuals who experienced the impact of industrialization and modernization on traditional ways of life. The shift from agrarian labor to industrialized work may have led to a sense of displacement and nostalgia for a more rural and communal way of life.

Furthermore, the quote resonates with themes of economic disparity and the changing nature of work. The speaker's ability to find employment and earn a wage in the past contrasts with the challenges and uncertainties that may be present in the current economic landscape. The idea of finding work on "big estates" hints at a time when agricultural labor was a viable source of income for many individuals, and the mention of bringing back a side of bacon underscores the practical and tangible nature of the rewards for labor.

In conclusion, Douglas Reed's quote captures a sense of longing for a simpler and more fulfilling way of life. It reflects a nostalgic yearning for the meaningful rewards of physical labor and the satisfaction derived from modest achievements. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring value of hard work, and the significance of simple pleasures and rewards that were once cherished as forms of wealth.