Questions About Status Anxiety

by Alain de Botton (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (1)

Do I understand correctly that the writer arguments that we're living in a meritocracy? Do you agree with this?

Santiago Nope, not precisely. He's contention is that the dominant ideology (set of beliefs) are that we are in a meritocracy, and this brings about feelings o…moreNope, not precisely. He's contention is that the dominant ideology (set of beliefs) are that we are in a meritocracy, and this brings about feelings of shame and of being a failure to those who don't prosper relative to their peer set. I don't think the author sustains we are in a meritocracy, even though he sees elements of it. But regardless, it's the belief of living in one which creates the status effects he speaks about.(less)

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