There is...an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents.... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government, and provisions should be made to prevent its ascendancy.
- Thomas JeffersonLet us in education dream of an aristocracy of achievement arising out of a democracy of opportunity
- Thomas JeffersonDemocracy means government by the uneducated, while aristocracy means government by the badly educated.
- G.K. ChestertonThe surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colours breaking through.
- Alexis de TocquevilleAn aristocracy in a republic is like a chicken whose head has been cut off; it may run about in a lively way, but in fact it is dead
- Jessica MitfordThe aristocracy is in decline in the City, and the cloth-cap professionals are in the ascent. And we will take over.
- Paul NeildAristocracy is always cruel
- Wendell Phillips