The tyranny of merit | Michael Sandel
What Went Wrong in Our Civic Life?
The Polarization of Society
- The speaker questions the underlying issues that led to the current polarized political climate, emphasizing a divide between winners and losers in society.
- This divide is attributed not only to economic inequality but also to attitudes towards success and failure, where winners believe their success is solely due to merit.
Flaws of Meritocracy
- The concept of meritocracy is critiqued for being fundamentally flawed; not everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, particularly those born into poverty.
- Winners often develop hubris, forgetting the role of luck in their achievements, which fosters disdain for those who struggle.
Impact on Working-Class Sentiment
- Elites' advice to working-class individuals often implies that personal failure is solely their responsibility if they do not succeed in a meritocratic system.
- This sentiment contributes to a backlash against meritocratic elites among many working people who feel looked down upon.
Rethinking Civic Life
- The speaker proposes rethinking three key aspects: the role of college, the dignity of work, and the meaning of success.
- Emphasizing that most Americans do not hold four-year degrees highlights the folly of making college a prerequisite for dignified work.
Dignity and Contribution in Work
- There’s a call to renew respect for all forms of work as essential contributions to society rather than merely measuring worth by income.
- Robert F. Kennedy's assertion about community values emphasizes that dignity comes from meaningful employment rather than consumerism.
Recognizing Essential Workers
- The pandemic has illuminated how vital workers—often overlooked—are crucial for societal functioning despite typically low pay and recognition.
- A public debate is encouraged regarding aligning pay with the importance of these essential roles within society.
Moral Reflection on Success