The Tyranny of Merit

I actually picked up this book because I originally felt I had the need to defend merit. This book has changed my perspective on merit by introducing me to the corrosive effects that accompany the celebration of merit.

The author argues that we mostly live in a meritocracy that rewards effort and talent. The winners introduce a tyranny by having hubris and by looking down on the losers with disdain; they also believe that all of their success is due to their own talent and effort and it has nothing to do with luck, help from others, upbringing, etc. The losers then feel left behind, humiliated, and resentful.

I never thought about merit this way and I think the author does a fantastic job showing the pitfalls of a meritocracy and showing some of the ways we fall into the meritocratic traps in current political discussions.

I learned that we need to have more humility in our success. We need to restore the dignity of work, even if it doesn't have the highest social esteem or the highest pay. There is a difference between meeting economic demand and meaningful societal contributions for the common good. Those on bottom should feel dignified and respected; we should all work on increasing our social cohesion and caring for the common good.

I could probably write much more on the ideas in this book and what I agree or disagree with, but to keep it short I highly recommend this one.

Favorite quote: “Governing well requires practical wisdom and civic virtue - an ability to deliberate about the common good and to pursue it effectively.”