Single Idea 22669

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / d. Elites]

Full Idea

Land is the basis of an aristocracy; …it is by landed property handed down from generation to generation that an aristocracy is constituted.

Gist of Idea

Aristocracy is constituted by inherited landed property

Source

Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.01)

Book Reference

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.14


A Reaction

Presumably there can be aristocrats by mere royal patronage, who have perhaps gambled away their land. They need protection by the other aristocrats.