Political Science Yale vs Harvard

Trnscndr
Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:13:04 +0000

I have tons of evidence to support these claims but I doubt anyone would require proof of the old money/new money argument regarding Harvard vs. Yale or even USC vs. Stanford. The analogy is quantifiable. As for the quality arguments, as for the actions of those Presidents, you may feel free to apply any better psycho-sociological explanation you may find more plausible.

However, I contend that old money families have come to realize that power is not something to wield willy-nilly as they know from history that money and power can be taken a way by the people. The nouveau riche generally express a false belief they have what they have from their hard work and ideas (in the first generation) and the inherited wealth is subsequently endowed by God.

Yale is a fine school, but all evidence suggests it is replete with new money and even those who have not yet made their wealth but will. These self-made individuals generally have an inflated estimation of their own contribution to their fortune. Basically, Harvardians realize they have what they have by the grace of God (using a religious tone) or by luck of circumstance (using a more atheistic tone).

Bush is new money (20th Century). Kerry was clearly a social climber and married money. Bill Clinton had been poor and only after his Presidency has he acquired significant wealth.

It is interesting how quickly the Kennedy family moved from a nouveau riche mentality (i.e. Joe Kennedy) to a family that from top to bottom seems to be immersed in public service. Of course, the Roosevelts typified old money and epitomized a ‘bleeding heart’ approach in the case of FDR, who went to Harvard with the express intention of preparing for public service while Teddy went with the expectation of being a scientist or mathematician (no interest in politics), so it seems FDR is a better case study for the embodiment of the Harvard political philosophy.

As for “opinionated”, how can one quantify which political approach is better? At best, we can consider the enculturation of the individuals entering Harvard vs. Yale and the actions taken by the actions of those leaders from both.