Nick Pappas is a graduate of the University of Chicago (English) and holds a degree from Harvard Law School. Over the past 20 years he's written a series of philosophical dialogues published by Algora Publishing, developing in some depth the philosopher character "Director," who converses with friends and acquaintances and brings out the richness of life enhanced by philosophy. Nick has also written numerous poems and short stories. Nick lives in Buffalo, NY, where he teaches high school English.  

Our democracies are far from perfect. For one, the people don't rule. Who does? Much is made of the power of the moneyed few. Are they an aristocracy in fact? Or perhaps we live under a plutocratic regime. This book examines various...

Our democracies are far from perfect. For one, the people don't rule. Who does? Much is made of the power of the moneyed few. Are they an aristocracy in fact? Or perhaps we live under a plutocratic regime. This book examines various possibilities for how to think of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

The Few is not entitled On Aristocracy because the author and characters are unsure that we should limit the discussion to that. Fewness is a concept that may transcend the political. It motivates some, impelling them to strive to achieve. But achieve what? This question runs in the background throughout the dialogue.

Early on, Director, the philosopher, seeks to establish something with Lawyer:

Director: Just by being at your firm, you’re part of the few. Being a partner at your firm makes you part of the fewer still. Being a regular winner makes you…

Lawyer: …part of the inner sanctum. Ha, ha.

Director: But I’m not kidding. You’re as inner circle as it gets.

Lawyer: And what do I have to show for it? I toil and toil long hours every day.

Director: You don’t like what you do?

Lawyer: I guess I do. I mean, I must—right? Otherwise why do it? The money, sure. The prestige, yes. But money and prestige are never enough.