Thread:Recludam/@comment-16241899-20161211100835/@comment-3242762-20161211105228

The thing is, the word "aristocrat" is a fairly fluid term. Its description has ballooned since its initial use. It used to indicate lineage or hereditary nobility, thus the ruling class. The word broken in two, essentially, is "excellent" and "power".

However, the term has expanded to include "any class or group considered to be superior, as through education, ability, wealth, or social prestige." So, we're talking about the upper echelons of society.

However, as far as I'm concerned, is Paris Hilton an aristocrat, well, no, that doesn't sit well with me. If Mr. Smith next door won millions through a lucky lottery card, is he aristocracy, no.

The key, as I understand is that one would have to be part of a priveliged class or group. In other words, using the above example, not all wealthy people are aristocrats but all aristocrats are wealthy people. Is Bundry Rothwild an aristocrat, no. I see Sokolov as something of a lone ranger, regarding position and ability, so I'm not sure I see him as part of the aristocracy. However, feel free to convince me otherwise.