| |||||||||||||
Linux kernel: aristocracy?Linux kernel: aristocracy?Posted Apr 25, 2008 3:40 UTC (Fri) by giraffedata (subscriber, #1954)In reply to: ELC: Morton and Saxena on working with the kernel community by lysse Parent article: ELC: Morton and Saxena on working with the kernel community
In fact, the word "aristocracy" derives from the Greek for "rule by the best". Sure, but that doesn't mean the best individuals to rule. The original users could have meant rule by the class of people that is defined to be superior rulers or even superior people. In 1561 (which is apparently the earliest use of it), it was common to divide people into such classes, and it was usually done the same way species are: by bloodlines. I just looked to see what two American English dictionaries had to say about it, and one says solidly that it's a "best class," based on heredity. And the other says its either that or the best individuals.
(Log in to post comments)
|
|||||||||||||