Meaning: The quote "At dinner parties I sit below the salt now. There are a lot of interesting people there." by Donald Regan is a reference to a traditional seating practice that has historical and cultural significance. The phrase "below the salt" originates from medieval times when seating arrangements at feasts and banquets were used to denote social status and hierarchy. The "salt" refers to a salt cellar or salt shaker that was placed in the middle of a long dining table, and those who sat "below the salt" were considered to be of lower social standing or importance.

In medieval and Renaissance Europe, seating at a banquet or feast was a reflection of the social hierarchy and power dynamics of the time. The most important and prestigious guests would sit at the head of the table, closest to the host or hostess, while those of lesser status would be seated further down the table. The concept of sitting "below the salt" signified being seated in a position of lower importance, often at the lower end of the table, away from the host and more esteemed guests.

Over time, the expression "below the salt" has come to symbolize a sense of exclusion or being relegated to a less significant position. It has been used metaphorically to describe being marginalized or overlooked in social or professional settings. In the context of the quote by Donald Regan, it suggests a shift in his social standing or perceived importance, possibly as a result of changes in his career or personal circumstances.

Donald Regan, the author of the quote, was a prominent public servant who served as the 66th United States Secretary of the Treasury and later as the White House Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan. His career in government and finance placed him in influential and high-profile positions, making his reference to sitting "below the salt" particularly noteworthy.

The quote may reflect Regan's perspective on his own experiences and observations within social or professional settings. It could signify a change in his status or role, perhaps as a result of shifting power dynamics or a transition in his career. Alternatively, it may convey a sense of humility or self-awareness, recognizing the value of engaging with a diverse array of individuals, regardless of their perceived social standing.

In contemporary contexts, the concept of sitting "below the salt" can also be interpreted as a commentary on inclusivity, diversity, and the importance of recognizing the worth and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their position or background. It serves as a reminder to embrace the richness of diverse perspectives and to value the presence of "interesting people" irrespective of social hierarchies or traditional markers of status.

Overall, Donald Regan's quote "At dinner parties I sit below the salt now. There are a lot of interesting people there." encapsulates a thought-provoking reflection on social dynamics, personal perspective, and the evolving nature of relationships and interactions within various social and professional settings.