Meritocracy and Its Discontents

“You can make it if you try.” Such is the defining ideal of meritocracy, a system wherein one’s effort and achievement are supposed to determine one’s social status. In this day and age, we take this ideal to be inherently just, especially those of us at elite institutions like Columbia. After all, did we not work hard to get here? Do we not deserve esteem?

This fall, join us as we critically examine meritocracy and its consequences. Whether it be endless, cut-throat competition, excessive ambition, or pure self-interest, the meritocratic ideal encourages certain behaviors and attitudes that preclude, rather than facilitate, human flourishing. Through a series of seminars, we shall consult thinkers ranging from C.S. Lewis to Christopher Lasch to gain a better understanding of how meritocracy and the desire for prestige often get the best of us.

Schedule

September 20 | Christopher Lasch’s Revolt Against the ElITES

Casey Blake (History) will lead a discussion on “The Revolt of the Elites” by Christopher Lasch.

October 23 | Imposter Syndrome, FOMO, and the Inner Ring

Nathaniel Peters (Morningside) will lead a discussion on “The Inner Ring” by C.S. Lewis.

October 24 | Why Meritocracy is Bad for America—and (Very Possibly) You Too

Richard John (Journalism) will lead a discussion on The Tyranny of Merit by Michael Sandel.