seeking wisdom, beauty and truth
One of the most insidious lies in human history is the notion that there are no distinctions between individuals or groups of people—the absurd idea that we are all equal in every respect. Hierarchy is not only natural but fundamental to a functioning, thriving human society that is growing and flourishing, rather than fading and dying.
Throughout history, every human society, particularly those that are organic in nature, can be broken down into three basic classes. Within each of these classes, there is a myriad of different ranks, but generally speaking, these three basic classes form the foundation of societal structure.
The Noble Class
The first class is that of the nobility. This class includes kings, priests, knights, warriors, nobles, and the general aristocracy. These individuals are the leaders and protectors, guiding society with their wisdom, courage, and sense of duty. The nobility is responsible for maintaining order, defending the realm, and upholding the cultural and spiritual values of the society. Their role is not merely about power but about stewardship and the welfare of the people they lead.
The Merchant Class
The second class is the merchant class, comprising business owners, tradespeople, advanced craftsmen, land-owning farmers, academics, and white-collar workers. This is the professional class, also known as the bourgeoisie, which drives economic activity and innovation. The merchant class is essential for economic stability and growth, providing goods, services, and intellectual contributions that enhance the quality of life for all societal members. They are the bridge between the needs of the people and the resources available, ensuring prosperity through trade and commerce.
The Labor Class
Lastly, we have the labor class, consisting of workers, laborers, tradesmen, farmers, servants, and historically, slaves. These individuals form the backbone of society, performing essential tasks that sustain daily life. The labor class is crucial for the functioning of any society, as they provide the physical labor that builds infrastructure, produces food, and manufactures goods. Their work is the foundation upon which the higher classes can function effectively.
It is crucial to understand that each level of this hierarchy is valuable and necessary. It is not inherently good to be a noble and bad to be a laborer. Each class comes with its own culture, joys, toils, and responsibilities. The nobility provides leadership and cultural refinement, the merchants drive economic prosperity, and the laborers sustain the essential functions of society.
Mobility Within the Hierarchy
These classes are not static. Individuals with drive and ambition, or those who lack it, can move up or down the social ladder, establishing their progeny in different classes for generations to come. Each class has its own values and culture. Those who embody the values of a higher class, along with the necessary skills and ambition, can ascend the social hierarchy. For example, a squire born of a laborer, who lives by a knightly code and learns the values of knighthood, can be knighted and eventually rise to the noble class, inheriting lands and titles that reflect his new status.
Cultural Associations
Specifically, in European or Western cultures, the noble class is associated with traditional architecture, classical art, beauty, and grace. It is linked with classical music and generally represents the highest caliber of cultural achievements. The nobility's patronage of the arts has historically led to the creation of timeless works that embody sophistication and refinement.
The merchant class, on the other hand, is associated with jazz, modern art, higher-class pop music, fine dining, wealth, and a lot of what is considered today to be privilege. This class embraces academia, professionalism, and the arts that are considered mainstream or middle-of-the-road. Jazz and modern art, for instance, reflect the innovative and dynamic nature of the merchant class, while their engagement with higher education and professional sectors underscores their role in society. The culture of the merchant class includes sophisticated yet accessible art forms, frequenting nice restaurants, and participating in the broader cultural discourse through academic and professional achievements.
The labor class has a rich culture rooted in folk art and folk music. This class is deeply connected to blue-collar music and art, which includes genres like pop music, rock & roll, and various forms of modern folk music, ranging from country to rap. The cultural expressions of the labor class reflect the everyday experiences and struggles of common people, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of life. This includes the traditions of home-cooked meals that embody comfort and community, as well as the music that tells stories of resilience, love, and hardship.
These cultural distinctions highlight the different contributions each class makes to the richness and diversity of society. The noble class preserves and elevates the highest forms of cultural expression, the merchant class fosters innovation and professional excellence, and the labor class provides an authentic, grassroots cultural experience. Together, they create a vibrant, multifaceted society where every cultural expression is valued and celebrated.
The American Context
In the USA, the noble class was literally outlawed, creating a unique situation. One might question whether this was a legitimate action and whether the entire system is thus flawed. Regardless, America established the merchant class as the ruling class, building a society based on the idea that only two social classes exist: the merchant class and the labor class. American politics is dominated by the tension between those who wish to maintain merchant class dominance and those who seek further degradation by advocating for labor class dominance.
America was not established as a democracy, which implies rule by the majority (labor class), but as a republic ruled by merchants. This contrasts sharply with the Roman Republic, which was ruled by the noble class. The American system glorifies the merchant class, emphasizing economic prosperity and individual enterprise.
The great success of the American economy undeniably demonstrates the influence and governance of the merchant class. America's robust economic growth, innovation, and global market leadership can largely be attributed to the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen of the merchant class. Their focus on commerce, industry, and professional expertise has driven unprecedented levels of wealth and technological advancement.
However, this success has come at a significant cost. The emphasis on economic prosperity has often been at the expense of higher culture and moral guidance. The absence of the noble class, traditionally the stewards of cultural and ethical values, has led to a deterioration in the social fabric and cohesion of American society. This decay and demoralization are starkly evident in the decline of American cities, where cultural impoverishment and social disintegration have taken root.
American culture, predominantly shaped by the merchant class, frequently appears devoid of meaning and purpose. The relentless focus on consumerism, driven by the merchant class's imperative to sell products to the laboring class, creates a cultural void. This dynamic fosters a downward spiral where materialism and superficiality replace deeper cultural and spiritual values. The lack of noble guidance, which historically provided a sense of duty, honor, and higher purpose, leaves a vacuum filled by transient and often hollow pursuits.
The need for a noble class becomes apparent in addressing these deficiencies. The noble class traditionally upheld and promoted the highest forms of cultural expression, ethical standards, and social cohesion. Their absence in American society has resulted in a culture that frequently prioritizes profit over principle and immediate gratification over lasting fulfillment. This imbalance undermines the overall health and vitality of the nation.
Socialism and Communism
The rise of socialism and communism represents the glorification of the labor class, viewing the merchant class as the enemy and seeking to destroy it, thus creating "equality." This ideology is fundamentally flawed and leads to the destruction of societal structure and stability.
Socialism and communism aim to dismantle the merchant class's control over economic resources and societal influence. By advocating for a classless, or labor-only, society where the means of production are collectively owned, these ideologies promise to eliminate economic disparities and provide equal opportunities for all. However, in practice, the implementation of socialism and communism results in significant economic inefficiencies, stifling innovation, and reducing overall productivity. The lack of incentives for individual enterprise and excellence leads to a stagnation of economic and cultural development.
Furthermore, the eradication of the merchant class under socialist and communist regimes tends to result in the centralization of power in the hands of a bureaucratic elite, which is an artifical placeholder for the natural higher classes. This new "ruling class", disconnected from the populace because of it's artifical nature, becomes authoritarian by nessicity, suppressing freedoms and individual rights in the name of equality. The promise of a utopian society gives way to oppressive governance, where dissent is not tolerated, and the state exerts control over all aspects of life.
The glorification of the labor class ultimately fails to recognize the importance of a balanced social hierarchy. A society solely dominated by the labor class, without the guiding influence of the merchant and noble classes, lacks the necessary structures to foster cultural, economic, and moral growth. The noble class, with its emphasis on higher culture and moral guidance, and the merchant class, with its drive for economic progress, are both essential for a thriving, dynamic society.
The cultural consequences of socialism and communism are also profound. By dismissing the contributions of the merchant and noble classes, these ideologies often lead to a homogenization of culture, where artistic and intellectual pursuits are subordinated to the state’s ideological goals. The rich tapestry of cultural expression, which flourishes under a diverse social hierarchy, is diminished, resulting in a society where creativity and innovation are stifled.
Embracing Class Distinctions
Rather than shying away from class distinctions, we should embrace the dignity of each class and work to recognize the beauty of the natural hierarchy within our own lives. By understanding and appreciating the roles and contributions of each class, we can foster a society that values stability, growth, and the flourishing of all its members.
Acknowledging and embracing the natural hierarchy within society is essential for its health and prosperity. Each class, with its unique roles and contributions, forms an integral part of a thriving, organic society. By appreciating this natural order, we can ensure that our societies remain robust, dynamic, and capable of nurturing human potential at all levels.