A point he makes here, that privilege carries responsibilities and that inherited wealth can provide a more nuanced perspective to public affairs and personal conduct, is one we need to consider.
Public service has long been an understood obligation for many OMGs: we had benefited from a political and economic system that allowed our families to amass and preserve wealth in a secure and comfortable environment. So we were duty bound to act as caretakers of that society, to preserve democracy, to protect the less fortunate, and to make sure that the same opportunities for prosperity and liberty continued.
This duty was often carried out, not always by the best and the brightest, but often by the competent and the committed. Many very average men and women served their government in foreign and domestic posts, in elected and appointed offices, in very public, private, or even secret endeavors, all to make America a better place and the world a safer place.
Admittedly, they had the advantages of education, social connections and social graces. More importantly, they possessed a serious work ethic and an ambiguous attitude toward public approval.
Personal profit didn’t play much of a part, either. Our ancestors had already prioritized financial gain and, in a concept foreign to many today, had made enough money. Modest lifestyles, rigorous schooling, and prudent investments would insure a solvent future.
With financial independence assured, options appeared. For the dutiful heir, public service if not public office became an obvious, responsible consideration. And so was born several generations of Old Money Guys and Gals who contributed to the greater good. Adams, Roosevelts, Rockefellers, Kennedys, Bushes.
So, yes, it is wise to look back at the perspective, the attitude, and the choices that many Old Money WASPs made in the past. They served us well–both as individuals and as a society–in many ways.
Young visionaries see untapped potential in America. They look at persistent problems with fresh eyes and imagine innovative solutions. But the values and perspective of the Old Guard will be essential if they are to implement their ideas and restore our ideals. Change is often dynamic and uncertain. Government is at its best management and predictability.
We need all these elements to preserve our democracy and create that proverbial rising tide that lifts all boats.
