The Coming Aristocracy by Oliver DeMille

The Coming Aristocracy Reviews

• 
  K.

  Harder to rate. Important ideas, but not super well-executed. I.e. would be 5 if better done, expanded, explained. The author is absolutely brilliant and the other things I've read by him are supremely important. I almost wonder if he wrote this during a period of illness, because he just doesn't seem to make the point as clear as I expect he otherwise could.
  
  In a nutshell, I felt this little book was more like a thesis than a book for publication, lots of ideas, not that many solutions. The conclusion helped tie it together (I was really despairing in the next to last chapter). Again, too many ideas said in too short a manner, which could have been actually improved by being expanded upon (which I know the author could so well do.) A lot of times I actually felt a little mystified at what he was trying to say, even being slightly familiar with his subject matter.
  
  Through the book the reader will come to understand what DeMille means by the term "Aristocrat" but for a chapter or two the usage of the word is slightly uncertain.
  
  Criticism aside, the idea that our American freedoms have been eroding since the mid-fifties because of the rise of the new aristocrats (read promoters of scarcity mentality, big government, aristocratic socialism and/or communism, democratic socialism, aristocratic capitalism who say the masses must only trust in highly-trained experts on everything) is convincing and worrisome.
  
  Conversely, the only way change is to be effected is by the "people" becoming educated and simply replacing the aristos--they won't ever voluntarily give up power. I'm glad to see that I'm already a part of the mini-factory movement (although I don't love that name, I think the name factory carries too many undesirable connotations) and find myself wondering what else we can do to buck the establishment and become more self-reliant.
  
  A quote to leave you with:
  
  After the example of how Gandhi realized how weak his nation had become after the British had outsourced their most important export (textiles) DeMille likens...
  
  (94) "Dependence upon corporations, federal programs and 'experts' for food, clothing, 'security,' benefits, health and education has emasculated the American population."
• 
  Usman Raza

  This books tells the reality of government and helps to think about the different type of government and makes me to more often involve and take seriously about condition and different type of governments.
• 
  Stan

  I grew up in a family that leaned to the Republican side of politics. I became dissatisfied with Republican tactics many years ago, but didn't feel I could conscientiously embrace the Democratic Party and its tactics either. I feel like the two parties are driving different style vehicles, but are taking America down the same road; the wrong road. I have reflected on this a lot, trying to articulate what my concerns are. Oliver DeMille does a great job in this book of explaining what I have felt for a very long time. I believe he correctly identifies freedom, individual freedom, as the ingredient most rapidly disappearing from people's lives and the ingredient most desperately needed if the United States is to regain its positive influence in the world, not its dominance just its positive influence. Throughout history, most governments, regardless of form, have been run by a group of individuals who managed to establish themselves as elites. Rarely has freedom been a widespread characteristic of governance. The United States is the longest running example of a freedom-based government in the history of the world, but the system is crumbling before our eyes. DeMille declares that if we are to correct this the changes must come from the bottom up. I believe he is right; this must be a grass roots movement. The ideas in this book are more than important, they are critical to the survival of this country.
  
  This is the second book I've read this year where the author spent many years developing his education through a reading agenda outside of a traditional university course of study leading to a degree. The other is Nassim Nicholas Taleb and his book is Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder. Each author embarked on a course of study much broader and deeper than would ever be provided by a university course of study. I wish I had done this many years ago; I'm doing it now. These authors are seeking an education not job skills, and wisdom not credentialed favoritism. They promote becoming informed and developing the courage to act rather than complacency.
  
  In a time when many people question the quality of public education in the United States and the value of a degree from a college or university, undertaking your own course of study is a novel but ancient approach; it develops independent thinkers. In a society weighed down by credentialized experts, what we need is independent thinkers, millions of them. This is beautiful, a breath of fresh air.
• 
  Laura

  America is now an Aristocracy. That was a bit of a shocker for me! But do we have one set of rules for those in power, and another set of rules for the masses? YES!!! Anytime that is the case, you are being ruled by an aristocracy. So, you need to read this book! Oliver De Mille points out very clearly why the future of our freedom is so precarious right now. So, what do we do about it? If you want some easy pointers that ANYONE in America can do to help support freedom, and secure a continuation of liberty for ourselves and our posterity, do yourself a favor and check this book out!
  
  This was a quick read, but it felt very dense. It was only 114 pgs long and can easily be read in one afternoon. This is almost more of a resource book: a jumping off point from which to study and research and find out more. He has a list of resources and recommended reading at the back of the book.
  
  In this book, De Mille supports his premise that throughout all of history there is always a battle between who will rule: A single king/tyrant, an aristocracy, or the people. The balance shifts back and forth: typically when there is a revolution in the favor of the people, it doesn't last long and the power flows back to the old or a new aristocracy. He explains what education has to do with that, and what a typical American education is doing now. The only time a people had a revolution with more lasting change was the American Revolution. He delineates why this is so (a fascinating discourse on the original purpose of our Senate, as well as other items) And he goes back in time, showing how we've slowly strayed from the purpose of our constitution.
  
  You'll get more out of this book if you've read any of Oliver De Mille's previous books, but that isn't necessary. It's great as a stand alone book as well. I highly recommend it! The author gives a great inspiring challenge at the end of his book. I think we're up for it!
  
  There is a lot of free audio downloads on this book and other Oliver De Mille resources at
  http://www.tjedonline.com/audio.php
  Check it out! Two other great websites that will give you more information more eloquently than I can write:
  
  
  http://www.thesocialleader.com/
  
  
  http://www.thecomingaristocracy.com/
• 
  Shiloah

  Whether or not we chose to believe it, America is in trouble and it’s not just the economy, the war on terror, etc. The real problem in America is that we are being destroyed within by the aristocracy.
  This is an excellent book with a warning for us in our day and age. The author explains in simple terms what the aristocracy is and why it is not only a threat to our country (USA) but how it is in practice today and where this will lead.
  
  The author made a point of explaining that today in our country we do not even have core truths. He calls it the “truth trap”. “If anyone mentions values, goodness, or says that something is ‘true,’ she can count on being asked, ‘Whose values?’ ‘Whose truth?’ and ‘Who made you the truth monitor?’” This is a growing trend, especially with the overtaking of Political Correctness. Even within the walls of church I have seen women make a comment and immediately stop mid-sentence afraid that the truth of gospel will offend someone within the walls of our church. This is a sad state of affairs.
  
  Along with the important information shared in this book, the author shares a list of books to read to learn more of what is happening in America and several books on how to make the change.
  
  The author has a way of motivating and exciting the changes that we can make. He closes the book with HOW we can stop the aristocracy from taking over and none of it requires going to battle against the elite in Washington. It is more subtle, in some aspects simple and powerful. I truly believe this can be done. Every American should read this book. Ignorance is not bliss. For the sake of your posterity, today is the day of change. It is vital.
  
• 
  Angie Libert

  I LOVED this book. I cannot believe it has just been sitting on my bookshelf for well over a year! This book gave me clarity about the various types of government, which I usually do not understand because there are just so many terms, and various terms can have 3 different meanings. It completely confuses me. But now I see that it is simpler than that-there are 2 groups, the aristocracy, or a limited group of people controlling the majority, and there is the freedom group, where the majority are in control and freedom is the main ingredient. This is of course a simple understanding, but it gave me great clarity!
  
  This book also offered real world solutions for freedom. DeMille calls it mini-factories, which is "where you do something that has been done historically by institutions, but you do it just as well (or in just a way that is preferable for some reason) on a smaller scale." He also says, "We can blame the elites and spend our time and energy fighting them, or we can simply replace them by making them obsolete through organic decentralization." Awesome! I already do that with homeschool and food and household goods and health care. It makes me want to do even more. It makes me proud of the choices that I am making because I feel like they really are making a better world.
  
• 
  Abby

  Oliver DeMille never fails to see beyond what is visible on the surface to the very root of the problem. This book is no exception! He brings into clear focus what is really threatening our freedom... the fact that we now live in an aristocracy, and very few of us realize it.
  
  He touches upon many different aspects and effects of this new aristocracy, and you will find your complaints and concerns addressed. In his typical leadership fashion, DeMille provides a very simple solution, then leaves us to determine how to most effectively implement in our own lives.
  
  This book is a quick read that has inestimable value to us at this time. Regardless of your political leanings, don't miss this one!
• 
  Stephen

  “At long last — real solutions in the battle for freedom. The Coming Aristocracy boils down complexity to core principles, providing a refreshing, insightful, comprehensive, and ultimately inspiring handbook for solving America’s cultural, political, and economic problems. Its core strength is that it empowers ‘ordinary’ individuals to play an integral role in the process. Discouragement and inaction can be readily discarded by following the liberating and detailed path laid out by Oliver DeMille.”
• 
  Amber

  This book takes our complex political landscape, puts it through a sieve, and then paints a clear picture of the problems we face. DeMille then lays out what our individual choices are moving forward and explains how self-reliance is the key to returning to and maintaining freedom. This book is an easy read; it is a must for anyone who loves freedom and is fed up with our current no-win political system.
• 
  Janae

  I am at awe at how many freedoms we have lost because we are not educated. Well trained, but not educated. DeMille goes into the difference between the two and makes a great case on how the educated aristocracy are gaining back the power the that Founding Fathers fought to be free from. Demille shouts let us not only be trained but educated so we can put back the balance of power.
• 
  Rick

  This is a great book! DeMille has an accurate handle on where the U.S. is and where it is headed... Will the elite aristocracy rob us blind of the freedoms we take for granted? Will you and I step up and make a difference for freedom? I highly recommend this book! wow!
• 
  Sjmclean419

  It gives a picture of what the United States will look like if we continue to expand our government and rely on the government to provide for its people. The more government intervention in a country, the less freedom the people have, the more taxes they pay, and the poorer they become.
• 
  Tammi

  This is a book every American should read. It was educational and motivational but always 'within my reach'. It was a quick read with a lasting impact.
• 
  Joel Everett

  Not to give the plot away, but the main point of the book is be a force for freedom and self-reliant as possible; to focus on being a "mini-factory" that is self-sustaining and productive. It is, in many ways, the antithesis of the top-down approach advocated by Klaus Schwab and the World Economic Forum.
  
  Mr. DeMille posits the mindset of the Aristocracy v. We the Free People; one is elitist and requires masses of trained individuals subservient to the State, and the other is open to all, but requires an educated - not to be confused with mere job training - self-disciplined and virtuous citizenry.
  
  My only critique of this book would have been a request for more concrete examples, especially in Chapter 12: Aristotrends; the general principle is often stated well, but sometimes specifics, or exempli gratia, can be lacking in my opinion.
  
  Nonetheless, I found the book an informative read, and would recommend it to those that are interested in a much needed counterpoint to the views of the World Economic Forum and other like minded entities.
  
  
• 
  Rae

  Glad I read it. Insightful, especially with the world we're living in now.
• 
  Celestia

  Oliver has done it again. He has written a book that resonates in the hearts of truth and freedom seekers. He points out in this book that we have lost what our founding fathers gave us: a classless society, or a society where everyone has equal opportunity. With an aristocracy, we have less freedom, because the aristocracy takes power from us. We are no longer equal before the law. This aristocracy is in the form of government favors given to big business and job training instead of real education given to youth, among other things.
  
  I learned about short-term pragmatism vs. principled realism that every president has faced, although I disagree that Lincoln used short-term pragmatism in the Civil War, but that's a tangent I don't want to get into right now. I also learned that the way the Constitution is set up is for long-term and short-term problems.
  
  He cites a bunch of authors and their books which I would like to read. Among them are:
  
  The Wrecking Crew by Thomas Frank
  This Land is Their Land by Barbara Ehrenreich
  The Great Depression Ahead by George Lakoff
  The Future of the Internet by Jonathan Zittrain
  
  I give the book 4 out of 5 stars because of the lack of an index and footnotes, a major peeve I have with the DeMilles' books, and because I think he could have done a better job explaining some of his concepts. I want a more thorough explanation of the difference between establishment and governance, and also how education is not under government's influence, he claims, but then he also claims that the Constitution/Founding Fathers set up a leadership education model with the Northwest Ordinance. I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that the NO's goal was to get everyone to think generationally, (long-term) as well as mid-term and short-term.
• 
  Sara

  Some of my favorite points were;
  
  "Remember, aristocracy is where elites tell the government what to do and government taxes the middle class to pay for it. We should never forget that the American Revolution wasn't against the monarchy until 1776; up until then it was against the aristocracy that controlled the government. The American Founders only turned against the king when he sided with the aristocracy."
  
  "Gardening was a foundation of American health, and general health has decreased with its diminishment."
  
  "Freedom flourishes when the people are independent, free, and as self-sufficient as possible."
  
  "Before the 'civilization' of Europe, when clans and tribes prevailed, the term 'frank' (meaning free man) was so culturally significant that its derivatives are still found representing the currency of several nations and the very name of France, its language and its people."
  
  "Would you rather live in an America that is the world's lone superpower, wary of usurpation and quick to intervene globally in its great goal to remain at the top, or in an America concerned with freedom, prosperity, and goodness, and genuinely happy for the rise of other nations with like goals?"
  
  It's is explained at one point that from the very beginning we are divided into 'classes'. We call our groups in our educational system our 'classes'...
  
• 
  Daniel

  It clearly defines our lack of engagement with government and the consequences that change brings to the distracted. We must wake-up and get educated to remain free and we must get involved if we are to save our freedom.
  
  We have lost the value of a real education in the middle class. Only those who understand its real purpose and how it makes us free or bond will be in a position to react to the crisis at hand.
• 
  Dave Crown

  The last two chapters (Chap 12 and Conclusion) alone make the book more then worth it, but the rest is good too. I'm so glad I chose to read this when I did, days before Leadershift hits the bookstores. I think the two books are going to go hand in hand explaining America's problems and the way to fix it. Clearly it is not a top down fix, and this explains exactly why we don't want our solutions to come from Washington.
• 
  Verena

  The first day was tough on me. I just finished it though and I AM OPTIMISTIC!!! It's a wonderful overview and a clear description of where we are at and what WE can do to preserve our freedoms.
  
  If I've caught your attention, hopefully you'll be inspired to read it. Get a free copy from
  http://tjedonline.com/the-coming-aris... (down on the left).
• 
  John

  DeMille presents his case for the real threat to our freedom. This is his opening salvo against those who would conspire to control us with our own political processes. Freedom is at risk and many are not even aware of it slipping through our fingers. This is a great first book to reveal that risk.
• 
  Janet G

  This should be required reading for all Americans. "We," as Stan Laurel says, "have made quite a mess of things." DeMille gives us a clear picture of the now in AMerica and the choices we have to clear things up for our future. I recommend all of Oliver DeMille's books but this one is clearly in the top two. ("1913" being the other one)
• 
  Celeste Batchelor

  A fantastic read for anyone who would like to understand what is happening in our world and where we are heading. I'm sure I need to read it a couple more times to fully understand everything in this booklet.
• 
  Kelly

  A short, but powerful and thought provoking book. The message is that self reliance is the key to personal freedom. It must start at home through what the author calls a mini home factory. Loved it.
• 
  Laurel

  I liked this a lot, its a very quick read, I did it in one day. It just lays out some ideas about what's been happening in our country and what we can do to increase freedom. I really responded to the idea of mini factories.