What do you think?
Rate this book
Nobility and Analogous Traditional Elites: A Theme Illuminating American Social History
Since the eighteenth century, generations have been schooled in utopian principles proclaiming total equality as the guarantor of liberty and justice for all. The egalitarian myth of a classless society was proffered as the unquestionable path down which mankind must travel to reach perfect social harmony. This book does much to shatter these myths and provide a Catholic approach to the way society should be structured as seen by the Popes.
545 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1993
3 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira
28 books29 followersPLINIO CORRÊA DE OLIVEIRA was born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1908 (d.1995). He obtained a doctorate in Law and was a History Profes sor at two prestigious universities in São Paulo.
A Catholic man of action, he wrote extensively and had his works published all over the world. In 1960 he founded the Brazilian Society for the Defence of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) of which he was president until his death in 1995.
Inspired by his book Revolution and Counter-Rev olution and other works, numerous autonomous TFPs and sister associations have sprung up in 28 countries on 5 continents.
A Catholic man of action, he wrote extensively and had his works published all over the world. In 1960 he founded the Brazilian Society for the Defence of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) of which he was president until his death in 1995.
Inspired by his book Revolution and Counter-Rev olution and other works, numerous autonomous TFPs and sister associations have sprung up in 28 countries on 5 continents.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 13, 2018
At the time when the ancient Roman nobility ceased to be recognized or given special status by the Italian government, Pope Pius XII gave an annual series a speeches exhorting these privileged families to continue the best traditions of their ancestors, seeking to live virtuous and industrious lives that would be an inspiration to the rest of society. Applying the Pope's teachings to the United States, where of course there has never been government recognition of noble status, Plinio Corrêa De Oliveira makes the argument that what Pius XII said to the Romans would apply equally to Americans of 'good breeding' whose families have been prominent in society over several consecutive generations.
The primary source material from Pius XII, included in the book as an appendix, would be inspiring to just about anyone, being simply a call to magnanimity. Corrêa de Oliveira makes a good case for the existence within America of "analogous traditional elites", which, I think, brings an interesting perspective to contemporary social debates. While these "elites" are not identical to the "one percent"—because this is about overall social position more than money, or the simple
prominence of celebrity—it is interesting to consider the assertion those who are 'privileged' ought to be held to a higher moral standard, not just a higher tax rate. These elites, be they descendants of past Presidents, or captains of industry who have for several generations been involved in promoting the common good, or doctors from a long line of university graduates, are naturally looked up to by others. Therefore, their manner of life, when compared with the life-choices of less notable people, has more power to inspire or lead astray. Which means that at the end of their life, they will have more to answer for before God.
While it is generally accepted that "With great power comes great responsibility," I am not sure that Americans are used to thinking about the power to influence that comes from family lineage. But I think the author is correct that such a phenomenon does exist in the United States of America. In any case, his thought informed my own personal family history research and has become the source of many interesting reflections.
Also especially worth noting is the Foreword to the book. This seven-page essay by Morton C. Blackwell describes the influence of Plinio Corrêa De Oliveira's Brazilian political organization Tradition, Family, Property (whose red lion banners are immediately recognizable to anyone who has attended a March for Life in Washington) on the conservative movement around the time of the candidacy of Barry Goldwater. There are lots of little gems like this scattered throughout the work, illustrative anecdotes which I later found myself bringing up quite naturally in conversations of a political nature.
For all the good that I might say about this book, it suffers from poor organization. The essays on Pius XII's allocutions were written in such a way that it made more sense to me to stop, read the primary sources in chronological order in the appendix, and then return to the beginning of the book. Furthermore, the book proper is only about 130 pages. A large portion of this tome (with its unnecessarily massive 7" x 10" pages and not particularly relevant full-color pictures) consists of appendices complied by Professor Corrêa De Oliveira's research assistants. The appendices push the book over 500 pages in length, and I did not judge that they were worth slogging through. My four-star review is to be understood as applying only to the main work—the rest would be useful, however, for anyone doing research in a particular subject area.
Whether your interest is U.S. history and politics, or ancestry and polite society, this book brings new insights. Recommended.
The primary source material from Pius XII, included in the book as an appendix, would be inspiring to just about anyone, being simply a call to magnanimity. Corrêa de Oliveira makes a good case for the existence within America of "analogous traditional elites", which, I think, brings an interesting perspective to contemporary social debates. While these "elites" are not identical to the "one percent"—because this is about overall social position more than money, or the simple
prominence of celebrity—it is interesting to consider the assertion those who are 'privileged' ought to be held to a higher moral standard, not just a higher tax rate. These elites, be they descendants of past Presidents, or captains of industry who have for several generations been involved in promoting the common good, or doctors from a long line of university graduates, are naturally looked up to by others. Therefore, their manner of life, when compared with the life-choices of less notable people, has more power to inspire or lead astray. Which means that at the end of their life, they will have more to answer for before God.
While it is generally accepted that "With great power comes great responsibility," I am not sure that Americans are used to thinking about the power to influence that comes from family lineage. But I think the author is correct that such a phenomenon does exist in the United States of America. In any case, his thought informed my own personal family history research and has become the source of many interesting reflections.
Also especially worth noting is the Foreword to the book. This seven-page essay by Morton C. Blackwell describes the influence of Plinio Corrêa De Oliveira's Brazilian political organization Tradition, Family, Property (whose red lion banners are immediately recognizable to anyone who has attended a March for Life in Washington) on the conservative movement around the time of the candidacy of Barry Goldwater. There are lots of little gems like this scattered throughout the work, illustrative anecdotes which I later found myself bringing up quite naturally in conversations of a political nature.
For all the good that I might say about this book, it suffers from poor organization. The essays on Pius XII's allocutions were written in such a way that it made more sense to me to stop, read the primary sources in chronological order in the appendix, and then return to the beginning of the book. Furthermore, the book proper is only about 130 pages. A large portion of this tome (with its unnecessarily massive 7" x 10" pages and not particularly relevant full-color pictures) consists of appendices complied by Professor Corrêa De Oliveira's research assistants. The appendices push the book over 500 pages in length, and I did not judge that they were worth slogging through. My four-star review is to be understood as applying only to the main work—the rest would be useful, however, for anyone doing research in a particular subject area.
Whether your interest is U.S. history and politics, or ancestry and polite society, this book brings new insights. Recommended.
July 20, 2016
Plinio Correa De Oliveira states the philosophy of the Ancien regime (the classical aristocratic vision) quite well. His book was endorsed by several high Churchmen in addition to some recognized nobles. The range of material covered includes American interpretations of noble birth instead of just Catholic.
Interestingly, the "right" of noble lineage alone is not absolute according to the author. Rather, the right of individuals with claims to noble distinction is judged by Christian tradition in hereditary terms, not simply by the measure of property. Wealth is important, but subservient to the religious or social ways of the historically “manor-born” in society.
In the merchant-driven society of commercial interests what Plinio calls American “toads” have come to dominate with money, power or technology alone, effectively destroying or displacing the civilization that pre-existent noble stewards established.
Ideals of Nobility accepted by the pious loyalty of lower individuals in hierarchically ordered societies is often challenged by those who refuse to let traditional manners or customs dictate to them. The disintegration of Christian aristocracy often follows upon the rebellion from historical leadership in the name of property or political power alone.
That is, before "toads" came to wield increasing power in social affairs (from Jacobins to Communists), the rising merchant classes not only aped the manners of hereditary wealth in addition to the moral traditions of the Church, but also understood that the varied distinctions or accomplishments of noble families remain impossible to imitate or achieve in just one generation.
The fact of historical authority recognized over mere wealth led “nouveaux riche” to go-down to older money. Aspiring to leave more than monetary inheritance to their heirs, new families were often placed in subordinate positions in the highest institutions that were established by noble families to protect more than the financial aspect of nobility. Merit in manners in more than money matters was required to rise in station.
The world-view of this book is one of the more universally recognized understandings of civilization in Western history. However, there is little written today on the positions covered in this book, let alone individuals who understand by reading rather than initiation through those who already know.
Interestingly, the "right" of noble lineage alone is not absolute according to the author. Rather, the right of individuals with claims to noble distinction is judged by Christian tradition in hereditary terms, not simply by the measure of property. Wealth is important, but subservient to the religious or social ways of the historically “manor-born” in society.
In the merchant-driven society of commercial interests what Plinio calls American “toads” have come to dominate with money, power or technology alone, effectively destroying or displacing the civilization that pre-existent noble stewards established.
Ideals of Nobility accepted by the pious loyalty of lower individuals in hierarchically ordered societies is often challenged by those who refuse to let traditional manners or customs dictate to them. The disintegration of Christian aristocracy often follows upon the rebellion from historical leadership in the name of property or political power alone.
That is, before "toads" came to wield increasing power in social affairs (from Jacobins to Communists), the rising merchant classes not only aped the manners of hereditary wealth in addition to the moral traditions of the Church, but also understood that the varied distinctions or accomplishments of noble families remain impossible to imitate or achieve in just one generation.
The fact of historical authority recognized over mere wealth led “nouveaux riche” to go-down to older money. Aspiring to leave more than monetary inheritance to their heirs, new families were often placed in subordinate positions in the highest institutions that were established by noble families to protect more than the financial aspect of nobility. Merit in manners in more than money matters was required to rise in station.
The world-view of this book is one of the more universally recognized understandings of civilization in Western history. However, there is little written today on the positions covered in this book, let alone individuals who understand by reading rather than initiation through those who already know.
July 14, 2015
Like a ship in full sail, this book is a grand, grand work standing high above all else.
The arguments, even if you disagree with them, are broad and sweeping and upright and dignified.
The book is a full and thorough analysis of social hierarchy in the USA, with reference to its historical precedents, modern incarnations, and future importance, in the context of Catholic social teaching and Biblical scripture.
Very thought provoking, and very clear.
The arguments, even if you disagree with them, are broad and sweeping and upright and dignified.
The book is a full and thorough analysis of social hierarchy in the USA, with reference to its historical precedents, modern incarnations, and future importance, in the context of Catholic social teaching and Biblical scripture.
Very thought provoking, and very clear.
June 7, 2023
This book is an most excellent and well-written history, both sociological and theological, very easy to comprehend for the layman. Filled with beautiful pictures and beautifully done. The intro is by A Non-Catholic who notes one Need not be Catholic to appreciate reading this. How there is good elites, how many Families of Nobility are taxed so high and unfairly they can't be considered well-off. How they are treated sadly with Scorn specially in Modern society. Nobles built the World we now know. An Must read for Catholics, Historians and soldiers of Christ. This book along with the author's other great works specially His Revolution and Counter-Revolution book are most recommended.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews