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EP 442: When The Voice In Your Head Whispers... Meritocracy
Sep 7, 2023
"When The Voice In Your Head Whispers... Meritocracy" explores the concept of meritocracy and its impact on marginalized groups. It proposes an alternative system that values social usefulness and discusses the historical origins of willpower. The podcast also delves into changing one's relationship to work and introduces the Work in Practice program.
26:29
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Quick takeaways
- Meritocracy ignores systemic inequalities and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and deficiency.
- Perfect meritocracy perpetuates inequality and squeezes out opportunities for the middle class, requiring limits on excessive rewards for a more equitable society.
Deep dives
Meritocracy as an Internalized System
The podcast explores the concept of meritocracy and how it has become an internalized psychological system that hinders our ability to transform our relationship with work. The assumption of meritocracy, the belief that anyone can succeed if they work hard, is deeply ingrained in American culture and politics. However, this belief ignores the reality of systemic inequalities and the perpetuation of a narrow elite. Meritocracy not only promotes extreme competition but also justifies the failure of individuals who do not succeed, leading to internalized feelings of self-doubt and deficiency. Critiques of meritocracy often push for more meritocracy, failing to recognize the inherent inequality and harm it creates.
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