Some Capitalist: An aristocracy is a class of society that is automatically entitled to unlimited wealth without having to lift a finger. A billionaire has obviously had to work, and he doesn't have control over everyone or everything in a certain domain.The Lark: This isnt what your CAPITALIST friend seems to think. I'd add that definitions for me dont stay frozen in history, Capitalism never superseded Fuedalism and every criticism that has been made of fuedalism, particulary those in Smiths Wealth of Nations are very apt to Capitalist society.
A Billionare has had to work? Most Billionares inherit their wealth and leave it in inheritance to their young so fuedal families continue as a wealth aristocracy without ever having to work.
As for the control of land you are obviously ignorant to the battle in England being fought for the Right to Roam, yeah that's the liberty TO WALK where you choose, the rich have bought up vast tracks of land and now use them for drilling private armies and the "commoners" are just forced back into the stinking cities and forced to pay them subs through taxation.
:A worker under capitalism has the opportunity to become rich, he/she does not have that option under feudalism.
That is the only argument that keeps capitalism alive, I could be that millionare, the American Dream. Well it's becoming increasingly obvious that that aint the case, rich oligarchies dominate wealth now and they arent keen on tolerating opposition and competition. Just look at Capitalism in Russia, it's so great it's got the people support the tyrants who just left the stage of history?!
:Capitalism to me connotes freedom, everyone can do what they want, make their own decisions and go to prosperity or poverty based on those decisions.
Now that is in TRULY ABSTRACT terms, that's the ideology of Capitalism not the reality. I also would not confuse Liberty with the control of the rich either.
:Under feudalism, it is impossible to leave your position, unlike capitalism.
Fuedalism gives people a role to play and secuirty, Capitalism cuts you completely adrift however both are equally terrible, lets get rid of both.
