Source: Law & Liberty
by Andrew Beck
“In the modern context, ‘aristocracy’ is believed to be those possessing the earmarks of inherited wealth, unearned social privilege, and personal vanity. Classically understood however, aristocracy is simply ‘the rule of the excellent’ (from the Greek aristo or ‘excellence,’ and kratos or ‘rule’), where according to Plato, governance is entrusted to individuals deemed to be of superior virtue, wisdom, and merit. Noticeably absent from Plato’s qualifications is property and material possessions, or reputation, i.e. ‘honor.’ While the Greeks believed that inherent traits of strength and intelligence qualified one as an aristocrat, the Romans required more suitable measurements.” (04/24/24)