n the great media
of their marvelous approach to perfection. This aristocracy was never
arrogant, never supercilious, never aggressive. It was what the
philosophers of our world are: tolerant, humane, sublime.

In all communities of civilized nations marked musical talent will form
social relations distinct from, but not superior to, other social
relations. The leader of a musical club might also be the leader of
another club devoted to exclusive literary pursuits; and both clubs
possess equal social respect. Those who possess musical predilections,
seek musical associations; those who are purely literary, seek their
congenials. This is true of all other mental endowments or tastes; that
which predominates will seek its affinity; be it in science, literature,
politics, music, painting, or sculpture. Social organizations naturally
grow out of other business pursuits and vocations of all grades and
kinds. The society of Mizora was divided only by such distinctions. The
scientific mind had precedence of all others. In the social world, they
found more congenial pleasure in one another, and they mingled more
frequently among themselves. Other professions and vocations followed
their example for the same reason. Yet neither was barred by social
caste from seeking society where she would. If the artisan sought social
intercourse with a philosopher, she was expected to have prepared
herself by mental training to be congenial. When a citizen of Mizora
became ambitious to rise, she did not have to struggle with every
species of opposition, and contend against rebuff and repulse. Correct
language, refined tastes, dignified and graceful manners were the common
acquirements of all. Mental culture of so high an order--I marveled that
a lifetime should be long enough to acquire it in--was universal.

Under such conditions social barriers could not be impregnable. In a
world divided by poverty and opulence into all their intermediate
grades, wealth must inevitably be pre-eminent. It represents refined and
luxurious environments, and, if mind be there, intellectual pre-eminence
also. Where wealth alone governs society it has its prerogatives.

The wealth that affords the most luxurious entertainments must be the
wealth that rules. Its privilege--its duty rather--is to ignore all
applicants to fraternization that cannot return what it receives. Where
mind is the sole aristocracy it makes demands as rigid, though
different, and mind wa