The Progressive Evolution Of The British Noble Spirit In 16th-18th Century And The Influence On Social Ethos

The 16th-18th century is the period of transition for British society. In this period, social structure gradually evolved from the medieval feudal society to modern capitalist society and all stratums of society are changing. And the political rights, social status, economic status, education as well as marriage and family life of the nobility have had some changes.The nobility often take some measures to protect their rights. Many countries are accomplished by violent revolution, while in British,the nobility take a way to adjust and reform, which has become unique to the British nobility characteristic. As early as in the "Magna Carta" period, the British nobility express their thought about"legal system important than the king"and the significance of freedom. And this is not only the germination of British noble spirit, but also become a important part of British noble spirit. This spirit of freedom is inheritance from Middle Ages has been through the whole history of British nobility rights struggle. For the growing of economy in modern times, the British nobility take a "progressive" approach to adapt to social changes, rather than passively waiting be eliminated like the European ancient noble.British noble spirit is largely presented for the carrier of culture. In modern times, when aristocratic political position and economic status of the nobility are not important as usual, the culture become a way for keep its advantage. They pay more attention to education and hierarchy, with its advantage in cultural to influence other stratums of society. At the same time, the thoughts of other stratums in this society influence the British nobles. Noble spirit and middle-class principle in conflict constantly fusion, and finally formed "noble spirit".Today, some rich people take themselves as nobles, but many of them just had plenty of its shape. The real noble spirit contains conservative, brave, decisive, courteous, erudite, thought of rank, responsibility for society and many other characteristics. It contains profound cultural connotation, and not to be misunderstood as rich and arrogance by many people.