"I agree with you that there is a natural aristocracy among men...the grounds of this are virtue and talents."

-Thomas Jefferson-



I think deep down inside i agree with this statement wholeheartedly. It's difficult to reconcile this belief with a "everyone is created equal" worldview because in acknowledging that some men are more talented and virtuous, you are in a sense saying that some men are "better." I guess in a way that this statement is almost obvious in it's truth and that the whole fight for equality of opportunity is based on this fact. The problem in my mind arises however when i think about what the role of these "better" men should be in society.



Are these better men compelled to use their gifts for the benefit of all or for the purpose of enhancing their own lives?