The Tyranny of Merit: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Tyranny of Merit, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Merit has a dark side
Sandel argues that the ideal of meritocracy, rewarding people by talent and effort, has become harmful.
It encourages winners to believe they fully deserve their success and losers to believe they deserve their failure.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Winners become arrogant
Sandel calls this attitude meritocratic hubris: successful people forget the role of luck, family and help from others.
They may look down on those who did not succeed. Luck is quietly forgotten.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
The rhetoric of rising
Politicians often promise that anyone can rise if they work hard.
Sandel argues that this message suggests those who do not rise have only themselves to blame. Failure becomes a personal disgrace.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Degrees became a dividing line
Sandel criticises credentialism, the belief that a university degree is the main measure of worth.
He notes that most people do not have degrees and feel looked down upon. Respect follows paper qualifications.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Resentment fuelled populism
Sandel argues that feelings of humiliation among those left behind helped fuel populist movements.
They resented being judged by elites. Many voters felt unseen and disrespected by those who held power and degrees.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Work deserves dignity
Sandel calls for restoring the dignity of work, recognising the value of all contributions to society.
Jobs like caregiving and trades deserve respect. Every honest job contributes to the common good and deserves recognition.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Admissions could include a lottery
Sandel suggests that top universities could select students partly by lottery among qualified applicants.
This would remind winners that luck plays a role. Admitting chance could ease the pressure on young people.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Common good needs humility
Sandel argues that recognising luck and interdependence can create humility and solidarity.
This would strengthen the common good. Gratitude and humility, he argues, make for a fairer and kinder society.
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