|
The Natural Aristocracy
North Miami Beach, FL May 13, 2001 Aaron H.
Schectman
THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then, Opinions pro or con are welcome.
THE NATURAL ARISTOCRACY
I have only written one TA in the last week. Carol wasn't enthused about
it so I didn't send it out. I will await your thanks.
I had, however, an inspiration to attempt a short story. I spent a couple
of days in front of this computer typing out the events I imagined. I found
it easy to do but after finishing I discovered that Carol was busy with a
book she was reading. She hadn't gotten around to reading the short story.
I may return to it to expand it by better writing.
Actually, there has been a great deal of work associated with being the
president of a condominium, even one with only 52 units. So, I stopped my
essays in favor of other work. But, this morning I was able to take
advantage of the beautiful warm and bright weather to ride out on my bike
once again. And again, I listened to my course on Jefferson on audiotape.
This is a great way to fill a need to do something while doing something
that is mindless, like riding a bicycle.
This course has come to an end. But again, the lecturer mentioned
Jefferson's predilection for what he called a "natural aristocracy". A
democrat he opposed monarchy and aristocracies based on birth. Instead he
favored an aristocracy of men who rose from the mass (the "rubbish") and by
their own merit were recognized in this new society 3,000 miles away from
the old world of Europe riddled by class distinctions.
My only observation (I have remarked on this before) is that an
"aristocracy" based on merit would be no better than one on inherited wealth
or birthright. I have discovered that a great many very intelligent people
well educated and in many other ways exemplary citizens, harbor prejudices
and weird ideas that they do not see as unharmonious with their abilities.
I think that the kind of democracy we developed with only a little
disposition towards the Jeffersonian prescription is much better. I Think
the fewer Adams, Roosevelt and Bush dynasties, the better.
Carol's Evaluation:10 out of 10.
|
 |
|