The Education of the Elite is Truly Different

What is the Top Priority of the Elite Class?

We do not recognize individuals as part of the elite class simply because they possess wealth. In the truest sense, the elite class refers to a group of leaders who combine wealth with a strong sense of social responsibility. By examining their mindset, we can see that, in addition to accumulating wealth and elevating their social status, they place extraordinary emphasis on their children’s education. Why, then, has children’s education become their foremost goal? Primarily, it is to pass down the status and wealth they have built to the next generation. Beyond that, they aim to ensure that their children contribute to the development of society and the nation. Below, we summarize how the education of the elite differs, based on insights from the books Habitus and The History of Manners.

1. Strict Emphasis on Etiquette

The elite class is far more humble, polite, and frugal than one might expect. Unlike the nouveau riche who flaunt their wealth, the elite maintain a consistent demeanor of modesty and make a conscious effort to adhere to proper decorum. When it comes to their children, etiquette education takes top priority.

They understand that an individual’s behavior reflects directly on the family’s reputation. Even during hot summers, they teach their children to prioritize neat and formal attire over comfort, emphasizing propriety. By instilling the importance of etiquette, they aim to prevent any behavior that might invite social criticism.

Throughout their upbringing, the elite ensure that their children internalize the importance of propriety and etiquette. They also stress the moral obligations that accompany their privileged position in society and the nation. This aligns with the concept of noblesse oblige—the idea that noble status carries corresponding moral responsibilities. For the elite, this sense of responsibility is a defining characteristic.

2. Hobbies: Golf vs. Soccer

The hobbies encouraged by the elite for their children often differ from those popular among the general public. Rather than activities like soccer, which require significant physical stamina, they prefer to introduce their children to golf—a sport that emphasizes propriety and self-discipline.

Golf not only involves competition with other players but also adheres to strict rules, where honesty is considered paramount. Players are required to record their scores accurately for all 18 holes on their scorecards. Any dishonesty or rule-breaking results in penalties or disqualification. This emphasis on integrity helps children internalize the importance of honesty.

Additionally, golf teaches social skills by encouraging players to ensure they do not inconvenience their companions during the game. Beyond these qualities, golf is also a sport not easily accessible to everyone, which further explains its popularity among the elite. It serves as a point of connection, fostering bonds among children from elite families. This preference for distinct and refined activities is evident even in their choice of hobbies.

3. Learning Languages That Offer No Immediate Monetary Gain

Middle-class families typically educate their children to prepare them for self-reliance and financial stability. As such, they often focus on practical foreign languages like English, Chinese, or Japanese.

However, the elite go a step further, requiring their children to learn ancient languages like Latin or Greek—even though these are rarely used in daily life. These languages may not offer direct economic benefits, but knowing them sets their children apart in social settings.

Elite parents understand that knowledge of rare or classical languages can make their children stand out, much like a swan among ducks. By introducing their children to such languages, they cultivate a sense of uniqueness and cultural refinement.

4. Different Yet Sophisticated Leisure

While middle-class families might spend weekends at amusement parks or shopping malls, elite families prefer activities like attending operas or classical music concerts. They spend time with their families in ways that are “different yet sophisticated.”

Through these activities, their children naturally absorb cultural and historical values. At first, most people find opera boring or difficult to appreciate. However, with repeated exposure, one develops a deep appreciation for its beauty. The same applies to classical music—frequent listening sharpens the ears and soothes the soul.

The elite provide opportunities for their children to engage with such cultural experiences from a young age, ensuring that they can continue to enjoy and preserve high culture in future generations. In this way, they teach their children how to relax with elegance and class.

5. Become a History Expert

Middle-class families often approach history as a subject to be studied for exams. In contrast, elite families focus on teaching their children both national and global history. They provide them with books, visit museums together, and sometimes travel abroad to historical sites.

As the saying goes, “History repeats itself.” The past provides insights into the present, and understanding the present helps one anticipate the future. By exposing their children to history, elite parents encourage them to develop a clear historical perspective and equip them to navigate the challenges of the future.

When a child shows interest in a particular historical field, they are encouraged to delve deeper, often reaching a near-expert level of understanding. This deep engagement with history is meant to prepare them to make informed decisions and effectively respond to future challenges.

 

The elite class does not rely solely on wealth to educate their children.
Instead, they prioritize instilling fundamental virtues, social responsibility,
and a refined sense of cultural appreciation. They teach their children how to live with dignity and cultivate a deep understanding of sophisticated values.
Such an upbringing ensures that their children will stand out as exceptional individuals in society.