[BBB#12] The Tyranny of Merit by Michael J Sandel
"For the more we think of ourselves as self-made and self-sufficient, the harder it is to learn gratitude and humility. And without these sentiments, it is hard to care for the common good." - Michael J Sandel
The appeal of meritocracy is that it aims to create an environment in which people can rise according to their talents regardless of the circumstances of their birth. With its supposed promise of social mobility, many societies today have adopted meritocracy as its guiding philosophy. However, a cursory glance at our current state of affairs shall indicate that there is something terribly wrong with this ideal. In this book, Michael J Sandel explains how meritocracy as an ideal is fundamentally flawed, both in terms of justice and in terms of attitudes towards success and failure.
On my time in the Singapore Armed Forces:
It is with much pride that I reflect on my experience as a non-commissioned officer. Where I once resented myself for not having performed up to par to be selected as one of the elites, I absolutely cherish this position I have been accorded. A position as the middleman, the bridge between those who observe from afar and the realities of our work on the ground.
On the sharing of knowledge:
I suppose, if there's one thing worth dedicating my time to, it would be the open sharing of knowledge. Because regardless of one's circumstances, I argue that we shall always bear with us the comfort that our wisdom shall never be taken away from us.
On a conversation with XXX on minimum wage:
Is it merely about increasing the means by which the working class may support themselves? What about dignity? Even if we did follow the principles of luck egalitarianism, requiring those seeking social assistance to prove that they had in fact found themselves in unfortunate circumstances owing to luck, would this not be an extremely demeaning approach?
On reconciling this divide:
How can we get there together? I reflect on my conversations with XXX. Yes, he's an incredibly intelligent person, unfortunate to be a victim of our meritocracy. And while I am compelled to forge a better understanding between the two of us, the manner in which he has expressed his view towards me has left me appalled.
Hate. Elites. I despise people like you.
So often I've heard these words, uttered without a tinge of remorse. Even though I recognize that in many ways I am lucky to have found myself in such fortuitous circumstances, and that I am complicit in perpetuating the current state of affairs, is his resentment towards me the only way we can approach the situation? Or am I too naive to hope that we may one day reconcile our differences? Would this be a worthy ideal, or is this a lost cause?
And yet, I shall not let this deter my resolve. His is just one negative voice. For I shall not fault myself for having taken the time to grow. That was who I was back then. Perhaps this might even be a source of strength for me in the future, as I strive to be the voice for those who cannot speak. For I am privileged to have been given this opportunity to affect change, and it is one I shall not squander. As Margaret Thomas, a founding member of the Associate of Women for Action and Research, says: "If you wanna bring about any change, who’s gonna do it? what’s the point of this forum if people like us, the educated... are not prepared to step forward and get into politics or get into a position where we can influence policy, then why grumble?"
If I ever do have a chance to speak with Michael J Sandel, I'd ask him this. How does one find the strength to hope for a reconciliation, for a more understanding and peaceful society, in spite of all the hostilities one faces from those whom he wishes to reconcile with?
Want the book? Get it now on The Book Depository.