In this respect they share the instincts of the poor, without feeling the same necessities; say rather, they feel the most imperious of all necessities, that of not sinking in the world.
In aristocracies the rich are at the same time those who govern.

The attention which they unceasingly devote to important public affairs diverts them from the lesser cares which trade and manufactures demand.

If the will of an individual happens, nevertheless, to turn his attention to business, the will of the body to which he belongs will immediately debar him from pursuing it; for however men may declaim against the rule of numbers, they cannot wholly escape their sway; and even amongst those aristocratic bodies which most obstinately refuse to acknowledge the rights of the majority of the nation, a private majority is formed which governs the rest.

*b [Footnote b: Some aristocracies, however, have devoted themselves eagerly to commerce, and have cultivated manufactures with success.

The history of the world might furnish several conspicuous examples.