If he
is of superior ability, and there is employment for him, he may
become a statesman before thirty; he may acquire ripe capacities,
become prime Minister, the sole pilot, alone able, like Pitt,
Canning, or Peel, to steer the ship of State between the reefs, or
give in the nick of time the touch to the helm which will save the
ship. -- Such is the service to which an upper class is adapted.
Only this kind of specialized stud farm can furnish a regular supply
of racers, and, now and then, the favorite winner that distances all
his competitors in the European field.
But in order that they may prepare and educate themselves for this
career, the way must be clear, and they must not be compelled to
travel too repulsive a road. If rank, inherited fortune, personal
dignity, and refined manners are sources of disfavor with the
people; if, to obtain their votes, he is forced to treat as equals
electoral brokers of low character; if impudent charlatanism, vulgar
declamation, and servile flattery are the sole means by which votes
can be secured, then, as nowadays in the United States, and formerly
in Athens, the aristocratic body will retire into private life and
soon settle down into a state of idleness.
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