The Possible Limitations of Meritocracy?
Friends,
OK. So, here we go – just a few days before the US election.
Just one quick comment on the election. It's so easy to take democracy for granted when it’s all you’ve known. Let's not. In the midst of polarization, mean-spirited attacks, and very unproductive public discourse, let’s find it in ourselves to appreciate and celebrate that we live in a free country where the people can fire (or hire) their leaders in search of representatives most fit to serve the interest of the majority. While this system is imperfect for sure, I am convinced it does beat the alternatives.
Elections offer a moment of pause to reflect about the future we want. Here, I’d like to share what I would love for this election to be about and characterized by: a really thoughtful, penetrating, and Socratic dialogue around what type of behaviors we'd like our society to value.
I have now listened to podcasts and read books on the limitations of meritocracy (all pasted below with links for your convenience.) This is a tough topic, which is exactly why we need to discuss it.
I think many of you, like me, have taken meritocracy for granted and also fundamentally believe that's it is a good thing. I mean, what could possibly be wrong with people being rewarded for what they are doing and what they are doing well? But, as with most pleasures in life, too much of a good thing might be bad! Balance is key?
In my eyes, it is the responsibility of politicians to set the rules of the game we play. I am an ardent believer in free-market systems harnessing the power of both enlightened self-interest and competitive spirit. I think we know enough that this kind of freedom produces the best outcomes for most people. But, after some time, the rules need to be revisited. If our system is designed on the basis of reward, are we rewarding all of the right behaviors? Where are the blind spots? I find it useful to think of the bounty of our meritocracy as a mountain we are all climbing. We need a conversation about whether or not the compounding effect of the current system has awarded permanent privilege and access to some, while also effectively widening gaps of opportunities. These gaps are now tearing our social fabric apart. The books and conversations I’ve listed below have certainly influenced me to consider my own blind spots and rethink the downstream effects of too many years of "the same" type of meritocracy.
“Merit itself has become a counterfeit virtue, a false idol. And meritocracy - formerly benevolent and just - has become what it was invented to combat. A mechanism for the concentration and dynastic transmission of wealth and privilege across generations. A caste order that breeds rancor and division. A new aristocracy, even.”
— DANIEL MARKOVITS IN THE MERITOCRACY TRAP
I get it. Meritocracy might feel like orthodoxy to you. I know. It did (and to some extent, still does) to me, and you may not see the point of rethinking it. Before you completely dismiss further arguments, let's consider some examples. First, luck. It does play a huge role in our lives and well-being. It dictates so much. Who your parents are? Where and when we were born? Who our teachers were? Whether or not we grew up with or without any significant trauma? The pandemic has brought to light so much imbalance – are you are thriving because of the pandemic or you are really suffering? Is that based on your skills and hard work or is it more indicative of a lucky break?
I am still pondering this. My main challenge to the argument AGAINST meritocracy is what we replace it with. What I like about free-market systems are that, despite their obvious inequalities and shortcomings, at least millions of people are in charge of determining outcomes, rather than a few selected policy makers. The concentration of power sometimes sounds like a remedy for injustice, but oftentimes ends up being exactly the opposite.
Lastly, I encourage you to listen to the first podcast below. While I am personally still processing my own thoughts around meritocracy, I must say I was really taken by the quality of the Socratic-style dialogue between Sam Harris and Michael Sandel. The way they litigate and argue over the pros and cons of this important topic should be a source of inspiration for the type of broad societal discussions we should have. Listening to this in the midst of a Presidential Election week is even more jarring. Nothing in our public discourse is successfully helping us understand what the real differences between our parties, people, and platforms are relative to the BIG questions in life. As Jean Houston so eloquently said: "Government has become too big for the small problems of life and too small in spirit for the large problems". We need a much more elevated conversation than the one we are currently having. Hence the name of these newsletters. I am trying my best to help myself and then hopefully others to stimulate our desire, ability, and habit of having a better conversation. This podcast could serve as a prototype of what type and style of conversation we should be having. It's decent, it's provocative, and it's important.
A few things for you to double-click on:
Sam Harris and Michael Sandel podcast on Meritocracy. (Plus, Michael Sandel's latest book here.)
Sam Harris interview with Daniel Markovits. (His book is here.)
For those interested in COVID data, I love Zoe Harcombe's work and this is informative.
Roman Krznaric, is a Long View Philosopher (have to love him!) and his TED talk inspires us to think 7 generations ahead. If we all did, it would change the majority of the decisions we make in our daily lives – for the betterment of our planet, our health, our children, and just about everything I can think of. So, why aren't we?
I had a meeting with an industry colleague where we met and discussed the challenges we are facing in the restaurant industry. He shared with me something he had written called SAND about our attitude and resolve. Loved it. Shared it here. Hope it will inspire you as much as it did me. Thank you, Taylor!
Ok. That's a wrap. If you haven't voted, vote. If you haven't gotten a flu shot, get a flu shot. Keep the distance. Wear masks when near many people. Do what you can. Do your best. And stay safe and try to find joy, laughter, gratitude, and love. It's everywhere. If we look for it.
