Maxims for Meritocracy


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

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