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Of course there are different things.

But what is merit? Take the "aptitude and the willingness" in the other reply: we cannot decide to be naturally driven or passionate about something, or being quick learners and so on.

We can only decide to put efforts into something. Unless our energy is depleted by issues that we cannot control, ranging from being concerned about financial difficulties, family issues, to physical and mental health, and so on.



Meritocracy really means eliminating the issues that can be eliminated.

And that's much harder than it sounds because so much of this culture is based on maintaining and perpetuating privilege.

To be clear - the US caste system is ridiculously rigid and self-sustaining. It has no interest at all in being more permeable to social mobility.




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