What does this quote mean can you explain it?

Question

Life in clubs is no paltry sign of the times we live in. Here gentlemen gamble with others whom they would not dream of inviting to their homes.”- Honore de Balzac

Answer 1

I think it is talking about the things that go on in the clubs. Men get themselves involved with people they would never invite to their homes. They do some crazy things with these individuals without thinking.

Answer 2

Balzac does not think much of the era of which he is speaking. He says that the purpose of a club, a place where men gather to make bets and wager, permits those same men to associate with people so low that the would not dream of asking them over to dinner. This two-faced behavior is a strong indication of the hypocrisy of the age.

Answer 3

Man whats this **** about??