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09 / 15

FIFTEEN LENSES · LE MUSÉE

Democratic / Aristocratic
One axis. Two ways of seeing.

Faced with the same event, people do not always notice the same information, place judgment in the same way, or move forward in the same order. A Trait is a lens for observing that difference without ranking it.

HOW TO READ

What becomes visible through this lens?

The two poles do not describe good and bad personalities or higher and lower ability. They describe different perspectives that may come naturally. Seeing both sides expands the choices available for dialogue and collaboration.

DemocraticAristocratic
VIEWPOINT · 01

Democratic

Democratic types perceive others through their individual, unique characteristics. Relationships form around personal closeness and empathy; labels and stereotypes are viewed with reluctance.
• Sees others not as “a certain type of person” but focuses on their individual characteristics
• Judges through personal, direct impressions: “approachable,” “intelligent,” “interesting”
• Relationships are based on one-on-one compatibility and shared values rather than group belonging
• “Being who I am” matters most — individualist by nature
• Shows little interest in topics like “where is this person from?”
• Rarely uses expressions like “I represent such-and-such”
VIEWPOINT · 02

Aristocratic

Aristocratic types tend to perceive people through groups (social categories, professions, attributes). First impressions and relationships are often based on how they evaluate the group a person seems to belong to.
• Tends to perceive others through labels and group affiliations such as “from such-and-such a place” or “someone from that field”
• Emphasizes hierarchy and position within groups, and the distinction between “us” and “outsiders”
• Frequently uses phrases like “that person is a typical representative of such-and-such”
• Friendships and trust are influenced by how they evaluate the group a person seems to belong to
• Comfortable with self and others being described in terms of social roles and positions
• Strong sense of “our group” and “our circle”