Secret History #7: Death by Meritocracy

In this monologue podcast, the speaker delivers a lecture to a class, dissecting the concept of meritocracy and its impact on American society. The speaker argues that the American university admissions system, particularly at elite institutions like Harvard, is designed not for academic excellence but to maintain power and privilege, favoring students likely to succeed in the capitalist system, often at the expense of equity and genuine learning. The lecture traces the historical evolution of this system, its unintended consequences such as rising inequality and student debt, and its role in creating a political elite disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens, ultimately suggesting that the meritocracy, while seemingly fair, perpetuates trauma and destroys true potential. The speaker uses personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate these points, advocating for a shift towards open-mindedness, resilience, and a focus on real learning over mere achievement.