A 1929 translation (by Sabine and Smith) of a
51 B.C. work by Cicero (“On the Commonwealth”)

“Because few men possess excellence, few are able to recognize and judge it.

“Thus, being ignorant of its nature, the masses suppose that men of wealth, influence, and important family connections are the best.

“When, as a result of this error on the part of the commons, the wealth rather than the excellence of a few men has come to control the state, these leaders cling stubbornly to the title of aristocrats, utterly lacking though they may be in the substance of excellence.

“For riches and reputation and power, if devoid of wisdom and of moderation in conduct and in the exercise of authority, are characterized by shamelessness and insufferable arrogance.

“There is, indeed, no uglier kind of state that one in which the richest men are thought to be the best.”