Aristocracy & Evolution A Study of the Rights, the Origin, and the Social Functions of the Wealthier Classes

"Aristocracy & Evolution" by W. H. Mallock is a deep look into the upper classes of the late 1800s. It's not just about people born into wealth; it's about society's most gifted and effective individuals. The author wants to understand where the wealthy get their rights and what their role is in society. He questions popular ideas about how society works, saying many studies overlook how important talented individuals are to progress. The book starts by noting how science is shifting from studying bodies to studying society, attracting a lot of attention. Mallock criticizes how modern sociologists group human experiences, arguing that it's a mistake that prevents a true understanding of how society changes and how the elite influence it.