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Chapter 13: Natural and Unnatural Aristocrats
- University of Nebraska Press
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chapter 13 Natural and Unnatural Aristocrats Representatives of Nature.—Who Save the Communities.—Examples of Nobility.—Names of Prominent American Aristocrats.—The Darker Side of the Picture.—Anecdotes of Unnatural Aristocracy.—No Peace with Ill-Gotten Gains. 1 It is refreshing, after long contemplation of vice, cruelty, and injustice , to turn our eyes for a time upon the opposite picture, and thoughtfully ponder upon wisdom, benevolence, and intellectual greatness. It is inspiring to see, through the clouds of battle, some portions of the great army scaling heights and winning victories, though the beholder may have been already hopelessly defeated. Some of Nature’s noblemen do win the battles of life, and are able to reap all the advantages which success vouchsafes; and but for their presence in the executive departments, the halls of legislation, the courts of law, the marts of trade, and the higher social circles, the world would be wholly lost to righteousness and God. They are “the salt of the earth,” and, sprinkled here and there through society , they prevent its entire corruption, although in some localities even the “salt” fails to save it.1 These great representatives of Nature’s royal family show by their ability and goodness what might be expected of all their relations on the side of genius, could the rightful claims of all be successfully defended. Those men and women to whom Nature has given that Nature’s Aristocracy | 163 mental momentum called genius, as a signet of her favor, have given to the world all its civilization, all its enlightenment, and everything of value which it possesses. In all great emergencies, when nations are in danger, there is no inquiry for a moneyed or family aristocracy , no desire for persons whom circumstances have made, but for men in whose souls there is natural greatness. It matters not from what rank or station—whether a “cow ranch” or a palace—provided they are inspired with the zeal, courage, and discernment necessary to manage the helm. Such men almost without exception appear on the field unexpectedly. Mankind will not go to Nature and learn of her; so they disregard the constantly recurring examples, and look for leadership first in other aristocracies and in the highest social circles of mankind. But it is seldom that the man for great emergencies is to be found there. He is stowed away in some sly and humble corner,—Nature knows where,—and when the occasion calls he pops into notice like the puppets in Punch and Judy.2 Sometimes people laugh, and think that he is a real puppet because of his antecedents; but time and mighty events show them their mistake. It is no proof, however, that because the number of successful ones is so small that the number of great men and women is also small. For who knows how many Cromwells, Washingtons, Websters , are held in reserve for occasions which never come, for revolutions which do not occur.3 When from an army of a million there springs one leader able to insure victory, it is no proof that there are not a thousand others equally capable, of whom the world never hears. So in civil life there are men of science who make no discoveries , men of letters who write no masterpieces, men of financial ability who have no money, benevolent men and women who have nothing to give, women of culture, oratorical power, statesmanship, and judgment who never leave the kitchen,—all for the lack of a favorable opportunity to use the talents which God has given them. Like the great marble-quarry which is full of beautiful statues and imposing monuments, it can be of no use to the world until the layers of earth are removed, the stone broken, and the chisel applied. Although thousands lie unnoticed below, let us be thankful that any [3.147.73.35] Project MUSE (2024-04-17 20:58 GMT) 164 | Nature’s Aristocracy of the inspiring statues have seen the light; and may the gratification which we feel while gazing on those already quarried and utilized make us the more zealous in the work of exhuming others! 2 A few months ago a poor girl who had no home, and had lost her situation as a seamstress, applied to the great natural orator whose name is connected with so many modern reforms, and requested him to give her some assistance. He was generous enough to give her money, but with it he gave...