Aristocracy

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“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”

Aristocracy translating from Greek to Rule of the excellent or Rule of the best is a system of government where political power is concentrated within a relatively small class of formal nobility or gentry, a privileged ruling class, the aristocrats.[1]. The term derives from the greek aristokratia meaning the rule of the excellent.

In Ancient Greece it was used to describe the rule of the most qualified or the best citizens. It was used by philosophers such as Aristotle or Plato, described, as said, as the rule of the most qualified, system which was favorably compared with Monarchy, the rule of the one. In this hypothetical Aristocratic system hereditary rule would be forbidden and would only be allowed in case the children of the former Aristocrats performed in a way worth giving them this role.[2][3]

Oligarchy, although considered as a similar system because it also features the rule of the few, it differs on who these few are supposed to be. Aristocracy, as previously mentioned, features the election of the Aristocrats by who are the most qualified system, while in an Oligarchic system these few are passed hereditarily, usually among wealthy families with big political power. Oligarchy on this sense could be considered a corrupted form of Aristocracy. Plato, Xenophon and Aristotle considered Aristocracy as inherently better than the rule of the many but they still considered Democracy, or even the corrupted form of it, Mob Rule, as a better system than Oligarchy.[4][5][6][7]

An alternate meaning of Aristocracy is a foreign policy opposed to the spatially-based Tellurocracy or Thalassocracy where the nation gains political power in the world by excellence in a field of human endeavor (or just by being very wealthy). Arguably, this is a more stable policy because it does not rely on using military force to enforce spatial dominance.

History

Aristocracies, for much of history, even on recent one, dominated almost everywhere in Europe, using their wealth and influence to get political power. Later, during the 18th century, with the rising middle class created during the Industrial revolution produced an increase of rich business owners, which eventually got their way buying into the aristocracy, although later during the first half of the 19th century these aristocracies tended to lose power basically everywhere, likely Russia being one of the only exceptions. As late as 1900s many Aristocracies remained in place in countries such as Britain, Germany, Austria and Russia, but after World War I the political power of them became precarious and later in Russia, basically the only place with a strong rule of the few still in place, they were exiled by the Communists.[8][9]

Variants

Aristocratic Radicalism

Nietzsche's Aristocratic Radicalism is a foundational concept deeply embedded within the extensive philosophical oeuvre of Friedrich Nietzsche. Emerging during a period characterized by the ascendancy of democratic ideals and egalitarian principles, Nietzsche's ideas posed a provocative challenge to the prevailing societal norms. At its essence, Aristocratic Radicalism represents Nietzsche's vision of a profound and revolutionary transformation of society. It hinges on the core notion of the "ubermensch," often translated as the "overman" or the "superman." This extraordinary individual embodies exceptional qualities and stands as a paragon of human potential, transcending the confines of conventional morality and societal norms.

Nietzsche's call for an aristocracy of exceptional individuals to ascend and guide society away from the pitfalls of mediocrity and conformity represents a radical departure from conventional political and social thought. Notably, his vision of this aristocracy is markedly distinct from traditional aristocracies characterized by hereditary privilege and entrenched in established power structures. Nietzsche's concept of Aristocratic Radicalism, therefore, calls for a fundamental revaluation of values, where the prevailing moral and ethical frameworks are subject to critical scrutiny and potential transformation. This revaluation seeks to celebrate individualism, creativity, and excellence, envisioning a culture where the exceptional can flourish and lead.

Natural Elites

Hans-Hermann Hoppe's concept of natural elites, elucidated in his writings, centers on the crucial role of specialized judges, arbitrators, and peacemakers in the resolution of conflicts and the application of established laws within a societal framework. Hoppe posits that, in a society of a certain level of complexity, there arises a demand for individuals with the intellectual capacity and character to serve as effective authorities in the settlement of disputes. However, he contends that not everyone possesses the necessary qualifications for this role, leading people to seek out those individuals who exhibit "natural authority." These natural authorities are often characterized as members of the natural aristocracy, nobles, and kings, who have gained their authoritative status through their exceptional achievements in areas such as wealth, wisdom, and bravery. Their judgments and opinions carry substantial weight and widespread respect. Additionally, Hoppe highlights that these positions of natural authority are frequently hereditary, passed down within select "noble" families through mechanisms like selective mating and civil and genetic inheritance. As a result, individuals typically turn to the heads of these noble families to address their conflicts and complaints, with these leaders often assuming the roles of judges and peace-makers, often on a voluntary basis out of a sense of civic duty. This concept of natural elites endures in many small communities, where individuals with established records of superior achievement, farsightedness, and exemplary conduct continue to serve as essential figures in maintaining social order and resolving disputes.

Personality and Behavior

  • Loves hats and fancy clothes
  • Favorite game is Hatris
  • Snobby

Stylistic Notes

Should always be portrayed wearing one or more hats. These hats do not have to stay consistent between panels in comics.

How to Draw

Flag of Aristocracy

Drawing Aristocracy is somewhat difficult:

  1. Draw a ball
  2. Fill it with dark blue,
  3. Draw a gold fleur-de-lis (⚜) in the centre,
  4. Draw a hat (or hats),
  5. Draw the eyes and your done!
Color Name HEX RGB
Dark Blue #2A334C 42, 51, 76
Gold #E7933A 231, 147, 58


Relationships

Fellow Nobles

  • Noocracy - The best are usually the wisest.
  • Meritocracy - And also the most merited!
  • Technocracy - My somewhat left-leaning grandson who has gained popularity through the Internet.
  • Plutocracy - There's a reason the rich are so well off. Many aristocrats also tended to be rich. But seriously, you should grow some taste and get the bourgeoisie out of the way.
  • Hamiltonianism - That's my style!
  • Paternalistic Conservatism - Fellow believer in the principle of noblesse oblige.
  • Feudalism - He got the right idea.
  • Hoppeanism - I never thought the day would come when a libertarian would stand up for me, great to have you as an ally, Hans. The concept of the “nobilitas naturalis” is quite dazzling.
  • Elective Monarchism - The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was epic. Malaysian model looks quite interesting, too.

Neutral

Plebs and Oligarchs

Further Information

Literature

Wikipedia

YouTube

Videos

Citations

  1. ↑ "Aristocracy" Oxford English Dictionary December 1989.
  2. ↑ Aristotle
  3. ↑ Plato
  4. ↑ Aristotle
  5. ↑ Plato
  6. ↑ Plato, The Statesman
  7. ↑ Xenophon
  8. ↑ Barrington Moore, The social origins of dictatorship and democracy (1966)
  9. ↑ David Cannadine, The decline and fall of the British aristocracy(1990)

Gallery

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