Single Idea 19984

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

Full Idea

In aristocratic state there are two main sources of disorders: excessive inequality between those who govern and those who are governed, and the same degree of inequality among the different members of the ruling group [corps].

Gist of Idea

Great inequality between aristocrats and the rest is bad - and also among aristocrats themselves

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 05.08)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.146


A Reaction

This sounds like a very historically accurate observation, since aristocrats are always at one another's throats. But maybe junior aristocrats just need to be kept more firmly in their place.