The robber barons of the gilded age had the same beliefs in their innate superiority, and thought they were the ones pushing humanity forward, in spite of the "

The robber barons of the gilded age had the same beliefs in their innate superiority, and thought they were the ones pushing humanity forward, in spite of the "stupid masses". All the while paying private militia to shoot at striking workers. So no, sadly this is not new. I'd even say things have gotten somewhat better.