Aristocracy Quote by David Halberstam
““an aristocracy come to power, convinced of its own disinterested quality, believing itself above both petty partisan interest and material greed. The suggestion that this also meant the holding and wielding of power was judged offensive by these same people, who preferred to view their role as service, though in fact this was typical of an era when many of the great rich families withdrew from the new restless grab for money of a modernizing America, and having already made their particular fortunes, turned to the public arena as a means of exercising power. They were viewed as reformers, though the reforms would be aimed more at the newer seekers of wealth than at those who already held it. (“First-generation millionaires,” Garry Wills wrote in Nixon Agonistes, “give us libraries, second-generation millionaires give us themselves.”)””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Best and the Brightest, 1972
It describes a self‑appointed elite who claim disinterested service while actually preserving their own wealth, using reforms to protect their status.
In simple terms: Elite claim service but protect their own interests.
Key Takeaway
Beware of reforms that serve the powerful.
Themes
elitism
reform
wealth
power
history
politics
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical study
- social critique
- policy design
Key Concepts
class
public service
Questions to Reflect On
- Are all wealthy elites inherently self‑serving?
- How can reforms be truly democratic?
A Different Perspective
The view may ignore genuine reformers motivated by public good.
![“Theodore Sorensen wrote for [Robert Kennedy's 1968] announcement speech: “At stake is not simply the leadership of our party, and even our own country, it is our right to the moral leadership of this planet.” The sentence absolutely appalled all the younger Robert Kennedy advisers, who felt it…” quote by David Halberstam](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f6e/david-halberstam-9032_communication_theodore-sorensen-wrote-for-robert-kenne_12566.jpg)
