[DiogenesLamp]

But those whom you mentioned aren't "the aristocracy", born and bred to believe that they are superior by BIRTH! You are misusing the word. Besides which, look at who was mentioned in the article, re BREXIT.

The etymology of the word indicates that it means "rule by the best." It doesn't speak of inheritance being a criteria.

Generally traits get passed on to offspring, so if someone is "best" there is a good chance their offspring will be pretty good too.

If we were talking about a much earlier time, here in America and across the Pond too, then we could include what was once THE 400 here and minor aristocracy in London. That no longer holds across the board.

No, nowadays we see the historic Urban/Rural divide, with the Urban dwellers becoming more despotic and socialistic, and the Rural dwellers becoming more and more apprehensive regarding the insanity they see going on in the cities.

The "elites" are pretty much all Cosmopolitans who think more highly of themselves than is warranted.

[nopardons]

Oh please....stop with the extremely old ( goes back to ancient Greece and Aesop, for crying out loud ) canards!

You're completely wrong re "aristocracy", as well as the kiddos inheriting "good genes" and behavior, along with the money and position! Obviously, you don't know anyone at all who is a scion of an old 400 family, nor anyone comparable. I do and you're nuts.