Aristocracy & Evolution / A Study of the Rights, the Origin, and the Social Functions of the Wealthier Classes

The author defines aristocracy as the exceptionally gifted and efficient minority, irrespective of hereditary rank, and examines their origins, social rights, and functions within progressive societies. He critiques contemporary sociological practice for treating social aggregates as unitary actors and for confusing speculative, aggregate-level explanations with practical conflicts between different social groups. Drawing on evolutionary ideas, he considers unequal natural endowments, the influence of motives, and the limits of equal education on disparate talents, arguing that the few perform indispensable roles which confer indefeasible rights, while noting that their duties and proper liabilities require separate treatment.