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181. What’s So Great About Meritocracy?

No Stupid Questions

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The Illusion of Meritocracy

This chapter investigates the challenges and paradoxes of meritocracy within society, revealing how perceived fairness can lead to increased wealth inequality and mental health struggles. Through personal anecdotes and societal critiques, it emphasizes the significant impact of privilege and luck on opportunities, using basketball as a metaphor for competitive advantages. The exploration also addresses the psychological effects of incentives and the arbitrary nature of success in college admissions, ultimately questioning the feasibility of a fully merit-based system.

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