The Tyranny of Merit

nonsense preface

I feel that Taiwan Yiben translated it into a successful reflection, it seems....too tame (but I can understand the translator's intentions)

After reading this book, I can't help but think about some questions, such as what is the nature of work? What is the essence of education? ...

Through this book, we can roughly understand how diplomaism was formed and consolidated.

I also recalled my past study journey and how I was pushed to the present.

Merit

The system of talent and virtue basically makes successful people feel that they are successful - they have worked hard, so at the same time they may have a sense of pride, and this sense of condescension will make those who are not so successful feel a little humiliated (?) , I will OS in my heart: Do you think I haven't worked hard?

It should be said that it will involve " personal dignity " such as

This concept is new to me, I haven't thought about it, it sounds plausible, and I'm currently going to believe it .

The author mentioned a simple example to illustrate this system, that is, students with good grades in childhood can choose seats first, and those with poor grades can only choose the rest.

When studying, seating arrangements?

Seeing this, I recalled my own schooling experience. I know that in the past, primary schools were divided into classes based on grades: the first place would be in the first class or the last class. Similarly, the last place may also be in the first class. Or the last class.

For example, I was assigned to class 18, the last class, when I was promoted from the fourth grade of elementary school to the upper grade.

At that time, I was very unhappy, because I didn't know half of my classmates; and the last class was arranged not far from the garbage truck area for some reason, and I felt excluded. But the point is, I think this classification system is very reasonable, and there is no sense of morality.

So I went on to think, when did I have this sense of morality?

Thinking of the seats in the corners , students who are often disobedient or have poor grades may be deliberately arranged in the corners. In fact, these small details are promoting and consolidating the Merit system, right?

Is the work in the three primary schools~?

Then there's the job/economics-related topic.

It is mentioned in the book that we often think about economic activities from the perspective of "consumers", which is probably the concept of demand-driven

We will "unconsciously" think about what consumers want, so create something for them,

Then on the other hand, from the perspective of "producer", it is supply-driven, right? That is, what we can produce and provide to society.

This argument, I don't want to choose a side, but feel that the society has been triggering some of our inexplicable needs.

Think about it, do you really have that need? Are you over-reliant on something? For example: a cup of coffee a day, a shaker a day, etc. (laughs)

What does education bring you?

Finally, the nature of education,

In the current education system, competition accounts for a large part, just like the "arms race" described by the author, which I think is quite appropriate.

Although I don't know how competitive learning is currently. For myself, I don't like the feeling of losing, so in the learning process, I have been pursuing high scores and perfection

In addition, the reward system I have received is that there will be money or gifts incentives for high scores, which makes me want to hold on to the first place (there is still a vulgar side)

In the end, I wonder what the hell am I doing? Behind the pursuit of perfection, there seems to be no real happiness.

Simply put, is it the pursuit of a dignity? Bar?

ps. But I am also thankful that I can receive a good education, which enables me to have the ability to think; at the same time, I also have a little regret, maybe there is no competitive pressure, I will prefer physics?

Are you desperate today

Among them, the book mentioned "Deaths Of Despair" (Death of Despair) , which probably means that a person does not receive the dignity (minimum) due, and despairs about life or society, and chooses to invest in drugs, alcohol or suicide, etc.,

The book talks about the cases of unemployed men, but this is also happening more and more to the so-called "victory group in life".

Recently, I was watching Skid Row documentary/interview, and found that some homeless people are actually very cute. Although their attitude towards life is helpless, they still live (survive) sincerely (it is worth watching ducks)

Sometimes just don't give a fuck, why not?

irresponsible summary

After reading this book, in addition to making myself think why do I work? What is the meaning of work? How does education go wrong?

And rethinking both ends of open vs closed (Globalization vs Localization)

Also, let me empathize a little with those Trump supporters, why support Trump/Republican~

I think it's a pity that people who have been treated unequally because of the system of talent and virtue may have less chance to read this book (tears)

Thank you for reading!
If my logic is wrong, or if I want to discuss it together, welcome 👂