"A plongeur is better off than many manual workers, but still, is no freer than if he were bought and sold. His work is servile and without art; he is paid just enough to keep him alive; his only holiday is the sack. Except by a lucky change, he has no escape from his life, save into prison. If plongeurs thought at all, they would strike for better treatment. But they do not think; they have no leisure for it."