Who said gentlemen read other mail and what does it mean?

"Gentlemen read other people's mail" is an expression coined by former journalist and historian Gore Vidal in his 1970 novel "Two Sisters." The phrase is considered a humorous and satirical portrayal of individuals, particularly those in positions of power, who engage in invasive or unethical practices for information-gathering purposes.

In the context of the novel, the expression describes a wealthy character, a politician or public figure, who was known to read the mail of others without their consent. The implication is that this character considers himself a "gentleman" despite engaging in questionable and privacy-violating behavior.

By using the term "gentlemen," Vidal adds an ironic twist to the phrase. Traditionally, the term "gentleman" is associated with notions of honor, integrity, and moral conduct. However, Vidal challenges this concept by presenting a character who behaves in a manner contrary to these values.

Thus, the expression "gentlemen read other people's mail" satirically highlights the gap between the perceived moral standards of certain individuals and their actual actions. It suggests that some people may project an image of respectability and honor while engaging in questionable or morally ambiguous behavior.