Mythology of Meritocracy
The mythology of meritocracy stepping stone reveals our shared delusion about success, as people routinely attribute their achievements to personal character and hard work while overlooking the overwhelming role of random chance, timing, and circumstance. This stepping stone exposes how successful individuals credit their "vision" and "work ethic" while conveniently ignoring the advantages they received: being born into the right family, attending the right school, or launching their product at precisely the right moment.
The examples are revealing: tech billionaires who claim success came from "sleeping in the office" while glossing over family wealth and market timing; real estate moguls who attribute wealth to "seeing opportunities" while ignoring inheritance and gentrification; celebrities who speak of "relentless pursuit" while overlooking chance discoveries. Research shows humans have a fundamental "illusion of control" that creates dangerous blind spots. We tend to remember our efforts while forgetting pure luck.
"I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all." (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
This also taught me about survivorship bias. We only hear from those who "made it," not from equally talented people who failed due to factors beyond their control. The Bible consistently warns against taking credit for achievements while ignoring divine providence, emphasizing that our abilities and opportunities are ultimately gifts to be stewarded responsibly. The mythology of meritocracy creates harmful effects: lack of empathy for those struggling, policy blindness to systemic changes, psychological fragility when success is threatened, and perpetual anxiety from believing we're solely responsible for maintaining success.
This reminds us to approach success with humility rather than pride, showing compassion for those who haven't experienced similar fortune. The healthiest perspective acknowledges both effort and circumstance: working hard and making good decisions while remaining humble about outcomes and grateful for favorable conditions. This stepping stone taught me that we're all subject to the same forces of chance, and the path forward requires honesty about luck's incredible role, gratitude for our circumstances, and generosity toward those less fortunate.