Natural Aristocracy

There is a natural aristocracy among men, the grounds of which are virtue and talents. At one time bodily powers gave place among the aristocracy. But because the invention of gunpowder has armed the weak as well as the strong with missile death, bodily strength—like beauty, good humor, politeness, and other accomplishments—has become but a secondary ground of distinction. There is also an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents. With these it would belong to the first class.

A natural aristocracy must be the most precious gift of nature for instruction, trusts, and government of society. Indeed it would have been inconsistent for our Creator to have formed man for the social state, and not to have provided virtue and wisdom enough to manage the concerns of society.

That form of government is best which provides the most effectually for natural aristocrats to be elected as officials of government, just as our forefathers believed. Artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government, and provision should be made to prevent its ascendancy.

In this 21st century, it appears our governmental leadership is heavily composed of artificial aristocracy and we must rid our nation of it.

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