The Structure of Authority

Abstract

As market forces grew in importance they gradually took economic and some political decisions out of the hands of the feudal lords, absolute monarchs, generals and landed gentry. Money power started to speak instead of bloodlines — the blood of birth and the blood of the sword. Money power also began to buy the sword, and many of Britain’s earlier trading endeavours were part and parcel of military domination of many countries. As such the development of money power was thought to be a genuine alternative to the old aristocratic oligarchy, but almost from the very beginning it was clear that the money system did not necessarily satisfy democratic hopes; it fostered new oligarchies, of money.

God made the wicked Grocer For a mystery and a sign, That man might shun the awful shop And go to inns to dine.

G.K. Chesterton