The tyranny of merit | Michael Sandel

Summary

The script addresses the deepening divide between the wealthy and the poor, questioning the meritocratic ideal that has led to a polarized society. It argues that the focus on individual success has resulted in hubris among the winners and humiliation for the less fortunate. The script suggests a reevaluation of the importance of college, the dignity of all work, and the true meaning of success, advocating for a more equitable and humble society that values the contributions of all its members.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The script questions the societal divide and polarization, suggesting it's tied to deeper issues beyond the pandemic.
• 🏆 It critiques the meritocratic ideal, arguing that it's not only unattainable but also detrimental to social cohesion.
• 💼 The success of the affluent is often attributed to personal merit, overlooking systemic advantages and luck.
• 📚 The script points out the overemphasis on higher education as a measure of success, neglecting the value of work outside of college credentials.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 It discusses how the meritocratic system can lead to hubris among the successful and humiliation among those deemed less successful.
• 🌐 The divide between the wealthy and the poor is exacerbated by globalization and economic policies that favor the elite.
• 🏭 The pandemic has highlighted the essential nature of work often overlooked, challenging the meritocratic view of labor.
• 🤝 It calls for a reevaluation of the dignity of work, emphasizing community and shared contribution over individual success.
• 💭 The script suggests a need for humility and recognition of the role of luck in success, to foster a more inclusive society.
• 🌟 It concludes by advocating for a shift from a meritocratic to a more generous and equitable public life.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script regarding the current state of civic life?

The script discusses the deepening divide between winners and losers in society, which has led to a polarized and rancorous political moment. This divide is partly due to economic inequality and the attitudes towards winning and losing that have come with it.

How does the meritocratic ideal contribute to the current societal divide?

The meritocratic ideal suggests that success is a result of one's own efforts and merits, leading to the belief that those who are successful deserve their winnings and those who fail have no one to blame but themselves. This contributes to societal divide by fostering hubris among the winners and humiliation among the losers.

What is the flaw in the meritocratic ideal as presented in the script?

The flaw in the meritocratic ideal is that it is corrosive to the common good, leading to arrogance among the successful and devaluation of those who are less fortunate. It also encourages people to forget the role of luck and good fortune in their success.

Why does the script argue that the role of college needs to be rethought?

The script argues that the role of college needs to be rethought because most people do not have a four-year college degree, and making a university diploma a prerequisite for dignified work and a decent life is not feasible or fair.

What alternative approach does the script suggest for addressing inequality?

The script suggests focusing less on arming people for meritocratic competition and more on improving the lives of those without a diploma who make essential contributions to society, such as by renewing the dignity of work and placing it at the center of politics.

How does the script define the dignity of work?

The script defines the dignity of work as not only being about making a living but also about contributing to the common good and receiving recognition for that contribution. It emphasizes that all labor has dignity, regardless of the job's status or pay.

What example does the script use to illustrate the importance of work in contributing to the common good?

The script uses the example of sanitation workers, as highlighted by Martin Luther King Jr., to illustrate the importance of work in contributing to the common good, arguing that all labor, even the most menial tasks, is essential and dignified.

How does the current pandemic relate to the script's discussion on essential workers?

The pandemic has revealed the importance of workers who are often overlooked, such as delivery workers, grocery store clerks, and healthcare providers. The script uses this as an opportunity to discuss how their pay and recognition should align better with the significance of their work.

What moral or spiritual turning does the script suggest is necessary for society?

The script suggests a moral and spiritual turning that questions the meritocratic hubris and appreciates the role of luck in life, promoting humility and a more generous public life that goes beyond the harsh ethic of success.

What is the script's overall call to action for addressing the issues it raises?

The script calls for a rethinking of our civic life, focusing on the role of universities, the dignity of work, and the meaning of success, to create a less rancorous and more generous public life that values all contributions to society.