I) The question is not whether a group
of people (a tribe, a city, a world) will strive to become the best
they can be. The question is which criteria they will use to
determine what is best.
II) As it should always be the
democratic group who decides what is the criteria of merit, these
criteria should always be in the interests of the entire group.
Individual interests cannot be separated from the group.
III) Great minds stand on the shoulders
of giants. Giants stand on the shoulders of a great many labourers.
Earning Merit -
I) Whatever is unearned is worth
little.
II) Whatever is earned by wealth alone
is worthless.
III) Improving oneself is not a direct,
diagonal line leading upwards. With every great chance of
improvement, one must face one's own inferiority. It is an endless,
jagged, struggle.
IV) One cannot choose to be skilled at
something at a moments notice. It is only by endless (and sometimes
accidental) effort, that we can get anywhere. Therefore greatness is
not a question of strong will, but patience, endurance and
perseverance – these things are more like habits.
V) Confidence is just taking the
knowledge that you can do something for granted.
VI) A person's title rarely connects
with their ability. Let all certificates be recycled into milk
cartons and put to good use.
Merit and Power -
I) If people choose to act outside of
their interests they are choosing poorly, or are being mislead.
II) No body would willingly choose to
harm itself, unless it hated itself. No body could hate itself unless
it were taught to do so.
III) Most people are equally skilled,
though their skills create different things., which may be
differently valued. When a great many people are unable to fulfil
their skills, there is some condition preventing their growth.
IV) If someone illegitimately seizes
the reins (a tyrant, a dictator, a capitalist) they are opposed to
meritocracy. Authority, also, is the enemy of meritocracy. Such
predators care only for flesh.
V) No power ever valued meritocracy,
only it's own stability and hegemony. No power ever exposed itself to
fair competition; those harsh winds of meritocracy!
VI) Modern power is subtle; cloaked in
shadow. It is the parasite which drains its host only slowly, and
whispers in the ear, promising to serve.
VII) Modern power wins not by playing
well, but by writing the rules.
VIII) Power and opportunity is never
shared; thus it must be taken. The battle for that power justifies
its taking; the struggler has earned her share by virtue of
struggling. Only the one who seeks to restore true and equal
meritocracy can call on this just righteousness.
Selim 'Selim' Talat