What Aristotle Knew About Oligarchy That We Forgot

How do the wealthy few come to rule, and why does it matter? Aristotle tackled these questions 2300 years ago, and his answers are still eye-opening today. In this video, we explore Aristotle’s book “Politics,“ where he breaks down different types of government, including oligarchy - when the rich call the shots. Aristotle didn’t just theorize; he studied 158 constitutions from Greek city-states and beyond, giving us deep insights into how governments really work. Following our last video on tyranny, we now turn to oligarchy, another system Aristotle saw as problematic. We’ll examine how leadership based on merit can gradually shift into rule by the wealthy, and the various forms this can take. Aristotle’s keen observations help us spot the signs of wealth steering the ship of state, even in seemingly democratic systems. We’ll also discuss Aristotle’s thoughts on the fall of oligarchies. How did these regimes topple if money speaks louder than the voices of ordinary citizens? Aristotle’s analysis of how money and power intertwine is as relevant now as it was in ancient Greece. His insights shed light on political dynamics that continue to shape our world today. Check out our Patreon: or find our books at TImestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:02 Aristotle’s 6 Forms of Government 2:28 From Aristocracy to Oligarchy: The Perversion 3:48 Characteristics, Types, and Rise of Oligarchies 8:30 Signs You Might Be Living in an Oligarchy 11:53 When Oligarchies Fall 13:50 Conclusion & Outro