These days we hear a lot of nonsense about the great classless society. The idea that the twentieth century is the age of the common man has become one of the great cliches(陈词滥调) of our time. The same old arguments are【B1】in evidence. Here are some of them: monarchy(君主)【B2】a system of government has been completely discredited. The monarchies that【B3】have been deprived of all political power.【B4】wealth has been savagely reduced by taxation and, in time, the great fortunes will disappear altogether. In a number of countries the victory has been complete. The people rule the great millennium(太平盛世) has become a political reality. But has it? Close examination doesn't【B5】the claim. It is a fallacy to suppose that all men are equal and that society will be leveled out【B6】you provide every-body【B7】the same educational opportunities. (It is debatable whether you can ever provide everyone with the same educational opportunities, but that is【B8】question.) The fact is that nature dispenses(分配) brains and ability with a total disregard for the principle of equality. The old rules of the jungle, 'survival of the【B9】', and might is right are still with us. The spread of education has【B10】the old class system and created a new one. 【B1】