The word elite comes from the Latin eligere, meaning "to choose." Historically, elites were seen as the chosen few—those selected to lead because of their wisdom, bravery, or skill.
Fast forward a few thousand years, and the concept has evolved into something far less flattering. Today, elites are often viewed not as the chosen but as the self-appointed: a group more concerned with preserving their own power than fulfilling their responsibilities to society.
Elites are as old as human civilisation itself. From tribal chieftains to medieval lords to corporate titans, there has always been a group of individuals steering the ship.
But for all their importance, elites have a bad habit of losing their way. Time and again, they become insular, self-serving, and disconnected from the people they’re supposed to lead. Why does this happen? And what can we do about it?
The anatomy of an elite
Elites aren’t necessarily a bad thing—someone has to manage the complexities of running society. The real question isn’t whether they exist (they always will) but what kind they are. Are they open, adaptable, and accountable leaders, or a self-serving clique, jealously guarding power and privilege?
Too often, societies find themselves dealing with the latter: an elite that’s less about service and more about self-preservation. Instead of leading, they insulate themselves from accountability, treating their role as a personal entitlement rather than a public responsibility.
Modern elites tend to form tight, self-reinforcing bubbles. They go to the same schools, attend the same events, and share the same worldviews. This creates a dangerous dynamic: instead of acting as stewards for the broader public, they focus on maintaining their privileges and ensuring that the "right people" (read: people like them) stay in charge.
Why elites sometimes fail
The failure of elites to serve the public isn’t a new story. History shows us that elites, left unchecked, often succumb to the same predictable pitfalls:
Insulation and groupthink. Elites often exist in echo chambers, surrounded by people who think and act like them. This fosters a culture of groupthink, where dissenting ideas are dismissed and self-serving decisions are justified as "necessary" or "rational."
The accountability deficit. Many elites operate in systems where failure carries few consequences. Politicians who bungle major policies often land cushy think-tank jobs. CEOs who tank companies walk away with millions in severance. Without meaningful accountability, there’s little incentive to prioritise public good over personal gain. In the words of the great American economist, Thomas Sowell, “It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong.”
The myth of meritocracy. Modern elites love to claim they’ve earned their place through talent and hard work. While some certainly have, this narrative often glosses over the structural advantages—wealth, education, connections—that paved their way. Believing too deeply in this myth makes elites dismissive of those who haven't "made it," feeding resentment and division.
Overreliance on technocracy. Many elites see themselves as technocrats—experts who can solve problems through data, logic, and expertise. While this approach has its merits, it often overlooks the human, emotional side of governance. Policies that look great on paper can backfire spectacularly when they ignore the experiences of the people they affect.
Elites through history: a pattern of decay
The phenomenon of elite failure isn’t new. History is full of examples:
Ancient Rome. The Roman elite became so obsessed with their own luxuries and infighting that they neglected the empire's crumbling infrastructure and rising inequalities, leading to its eventual downfall.
The French Revolution. The French aristocracy’s detachment from the suffering of ordinary citizens reached its peak with Queen Marie Antoinette’s infamous (and probably apocryphal) "Let them eat cake." The result? The guillotine.
The Gilded Age. In 19th-century America, industrial tycoons amassed enormous wealth while workers lived in grinding poverty. Public outrage eventually forced reforms, but only after years of suffering.
These examples underscore a critical truth: when elites lose sight of their responsibility to the public, they sow the seeds of their own downfall.
Curious Alexander
Why we’ll always have elites
As frustrating as they can be, elites are unavoidable. Complex societies need leaders, organisers, and experts to make things work. The trick is to create systems that ensure elites remain accountable, adaptable, and in touch with the public. A healthy elite is one that understands its power comes with responsibility—not entitlement.
It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong. – Thomas Sowell
How to keep elites accountable
Transparency and scrutiny. A well-informed public is the ultimate check on elite power. Institutions like a free press, independent watchdogs, and citizen activism are vital for shining a light on elite behaviour.
Pluralism and renewal. Elites should be open to new ideas and new members. This means creating pathways for diverse voices to rise, whether through fairer education systems, mentoring programmes, or deliberate inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Cultural humility. Leaders must recognise that they don’t have all the answers. Encouraging debate, dissent, and diverse perspectives helps avoid the pitfalls of groupthink and arrogance.
A culture of service. Elites should see themselves as stewards, not rulers. Cultivating this mindset starts with education and continues through public expectations and institutional norms.
What kind of elites do we want?
The challenge isn’t eliminating elites—it’s shaping them into the kind of leaders society needs. This means holding them accountable, keeping them connected to the broader public, and encouraging them to see their power as a responsibility, not a right.
History shows us that when elites serve the public good, societies flourish. When they don’t, the consequences can be catastrophic. The question, then, is not whether elites will exist, but what kind of elites we’ll have—and what kind of society we’ll demand from them.
Further reading
The Power Elite by C. Wright Mills.
A foundational text on how elites shape society.
The Ruling Class by Gaetano Mosca.
A classic exploration of why elites are inevitable and how they operate.
Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas.
A sharp critique of modern philanthropy and elite-driven “change.”
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson.
A deep dive into how elite structures affect national success or collapse.
Twilight of the Elites by Chris Hayes.
An examination of the failures of modern meritocracy.
Join the conversation
What systems or institutions do you think are most effective at holding elites accountable? Are they enough, or do we need new approaches?
