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Hidden Forces

The Tyranny of Merit: What Has Become of the Common Good? | Michael Sandel

Dec 21, 2020
57:30
Snipd AI
Demetri Kofinas speaks with Michael Sandel, Harvard professor and author of 'The Tyranny of Merit.' They discuss the flaws of meritocracy, the impact of the pandemic, the importance of humility and gratitude, the role of civic education, and the challenges of achieving fairness in a system influenced by money.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The meritocratic ideology diminishes humility and gratitude, contributing to political polarization and the rise of populism.
  • Acknowledging the role of luck in success promotes humility, gratitude, and empathy, fostering a politics of the common good.

Deep dives

The Impact of Meritocracy on Society

The podcast explores the concept of meritocracy and its impact on society. It delves into the divide between winners and losers, highlighting the growing inequality and the demoralization experienced by those who feel left behind. The podcast argues that the meritocratic ideology, which emphasizes individual achievement and entitlement to success, diminishes humility and gratitude. This lack of humility and gratitude contributes to the polarization of politics and the rise of populist movements. The episode discusses the importance of cultivating a sense of common good, empathy, and solidarity in society to counteract the negative effects of meritocracy.

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