Episode Details

Adrian Wooldridge revisits the historical origins of hierarchy, noting that for most of human history, family connections and dynasties were the organizing principles of society. The concept of the Great Chain of Being suggested that everyone had a divinely ordained place, a notion reflected in the works of Shakespeare. This system placed biological entities, like kings, at the center of social order, making society vulnerable to their personal frailties and the difficulties of reproduction. Walter Bagehot eventually argued that while the monarchy provided "due deference," the real power should reside with clever cabinet members. 6
1772