"The Tyranny of Merit" by Michael J. Sandel
A book about the concept of merit and how it may not always be the "fair" approach.
I have always held that a really good book or idea ought to change the very foundations of one’s beliefs. However, an idea may only be as important as the attitudes with which we approach it.
“Objectivity”
When it comes to comprehension of complex ideas, it is perhaps our attitudes that most get in the way of “objective” learning. I almost never enter a class or open a book without taking cognizance of the reality that other ideas and attitudes are constantly competing to place a new idea into a prior “box” or psychological “schema”. Where does objectivity sit in such a space?
To be aware of such a reality is vital prior to reading any book in general, but especially so in reading The Tyranny of Merit.
Sandel’s argument strikes at the root of what most people consider to be their reality- that a just world is one where “merit” is rewarded. Reading the work as an Indian, I had to repeatedly place his idea with respect to the prevailing attitudes towards the affirmative action measure of reservation.
However, the book is centered in Western thought and the notions it keeps challenging are more applicable to the American reality in a post-Trump world. Nevertheless, its core concept of how equality is often not simple is one I found deeply rewarding.
Meritocratic Hubris
In particular, Sandel’s repeated insistence on the dangers of “meritocratic hubris” or an attitude where one holds one’s success to be solely the result of one’s hard-work is a key takeaway. A more worrying takeaway is the corollary of that attitude which asserts that others are responsible for their own failures.
A world that is this interconnected needs to be more aware of its own meritocratic hubris. Simple and extreme narratives dominate the algorithm today. The society it may feed into may be tethering at the cusp of chaos.
In such a world, such a book needs to be read and spoken about. Its contentious ideas demand discussion and some of its more worrying takeaways ought to translate into tangible changes in our systems.
On the other hand, I am definitely aware of my hubris that the readership of this newsletter hinges on you sharing it and following it for future updates.