The tyranny of merit | Michael Sandel

What accounts for our polarized public life, and how can we begin to heal it? Political philosopher Michael Sandel offers a surprising answer: those who have flourished need to look in the mirror. He explores how "meritocratic hubris" leads many to believe their success is their own doing and to look down on those who haven't made it, provoking resentment and inflaming the divide between "winners" and "losers" in the new economy. Hear why we need to reconsider the meaning of success and recognize the role of luck in order to create a less rancorous, more generous civic life.

[vikrambhandolkar]

The most kind hearted intellectual I have come across. I am not even a legal professional but I watched all his Harvard lecture series.

[yapper]

I have a brother who is literally a rocket scientist. He has a PH.D. from Princeton. My father owned a small sawmill. My brother has nothing but contempt for manual labor and today still espouses the idea that the "smart people" (him) should decide how things should be done and the less educated should sit down and shut up, even though our father became quite wealthy and enjoyed physical labor (making things) his whole life. I started stacking lumber and driving a forklift when I was 14 years old. I still work in the lumber business as an inspector (even though I have my B.A. in Sociology), which is a physically intensive form of work for a 62 year old. My brother believes I am dirt poor (I am not) and incapable of any other work even though my I.Q. tested close to his in school and I ranked in the top 10% nationally in my class. He is convinced he is socially, morally, and intellectually superior to his family. I respect anyone on my crew who do the work that is required of them. It is hard work and I don't try to make it worse for them by demanding the dangerous or impossible.

[Vnifit]

This is one of the most fantastic TED talks I have seen in a long time. Dignity of work is at the center of each of our ego's and the suggestion that those who don't go to college are ill-fated to work at McDonalds is part of such considerable divison. The sentiment that working at McDonalds is inherently a bad thing strips those who work there of their dignity and consequently their purpose. Without a feeling of purpose and belonging, people cannot be cohesive and communities begin to fray. Not everyone can be doctors, engineers, and laywers. There is dignity in every job and we need to acknowledge and thank those who do the required work that helps us all.

[taylorkim]

Awesome clip. I'm having a moment of utter realisation. How lucky I am that I can just comfortably sit down on the chair and listen to his wise words

[lucaslimal]

I disagree with 90% of what this man says and still respect him deeply.
Thank you mister Sandel, it is important that we talk about this.

[ASLUHLUHCE]

This reminds me of Warren Buffett talking about how he was very lucky to be born at just the right time, in just the right place, and as a man with right skin colour, so that his skills and interests happened just what was right to make him fabulously wealthy and successful, and that if he lived thousands of years ago, he would've probably been eaten by a lion.

[abdirevandio]

Hearing this is like a fresh breeze flowing through my anxious heart

[natashapang]

I watch your video 12 years ago, that time are looking very young, now search you here. I feel how time flies

[MaymunaSaeed]

professor Sandel has profoundly influenced me- the harvard lectures and the way the way he perceives things has left me in awe. massive respect for him. May he live a long, healthy life. it hurts to see him grow old :(

[lt.columbo]

Professor Sandel is one of the most astute academics of our time...Although I have not met him...he has become a very significant mentor in my life...and has allowed me to experience Harvard, through his lecture series. Thank you, Sir.

[Pkvish]

My all time favourite. I wanna meet him and take a bow.

[IbrahimKhan-shbg]

I am a business student but this gentlemen made me fall in love with political philosophy. It's hard to see him grow old.

[FedericoLov]

Every Sandel video is a pearl of wisdom. I wish he made more

[chrisduplessis]

this guy is very sharp! he says all of this without looking at notes, amazing

[neuro.weaver]

The only problem with meritocracy is either when there is not enough or it gets diluted and soiled. We need to learn the value of saying "No".
"No" you are not good enough for high school - go to a vocational school.
"No" you are not good enough for university - go to a technical college.
The Germans and Dutch have been applying this to great success. They have better trained professionals and happier people.

University degrees lost their market value when they were given out en mass. Now the very same mistake is repeated with Graduate degrees and even PhDs. And obtaining one neither proves training nor is it proof of ability.

Because, "No", everyone cannot become anything they set their minds to. THAT is reality.
Anything else is just ego-pandering, and turns petulant children into frustrated adults.

[overshot]

Dignity of Labour. Important to keep in mind.

[sno]

Incredibly moving and healing. The talk on Sam Harris’ podcast also excellent.

[deeb]

Been watching old videos of Prof.Sandel earlier and wished there is a new one. My thoughts came true! Thanks Ted!

[franciscojavierhernandezp]

The main issue of this statement refers that the salary is not defined by the importance of your job, rather it is unfortunately defined by the law of offer and demand (a basic economical rule that has defined all societies during the entire human history). Therefore, there are no chances to change this distribution only by a philosophical public decision or wish, in special when resources are scarce (despite that we agree that these good wishes sound fair, but they are unfortunately unpractical). That is, there will be always someone that will be able to do the same job by a lower salary when you talk about of a not qualified job that is well paid, i.e., a job that you don't need great skills, therefore, anyone can do it (if you increase the salary you will have a massive demand for that position). In contrast, if you have a company and you decide to duplicate salaries, it is very likely that your company will be not profitable with time and your company will be disappeared with time because of the natural market competition.

Unfortunately, the rule that defines the economy does not match with social wishes. We still live in a society that resources are scarce, therefore, the salary is basically defined as the minimum payment that someone will afford to pay you by your services and skills. For example, if humans invent a robot that can cure people better than doctors, there will not demand to pay for human medical treatments.

How can you change social behavior just with good wishes?. Everyone agrees that everyone should get a better salary, but the reasonable question is How can you do it?.

I agree that the world is absolutely unfair for most people and there is a lot of injustices about wealthy distribution and opportunities. I agree that only a small percentage of the population has real opportunities in life, however, we are in an age of the history that people have more opportunities than in the entire history of humanity. Noting that people that live in developing countries have still lower chances that someone that lives in the USA. How are you going to balance it (with good wishes?). The solution is not only to point the problem out.

[tgkprog]

A new ted every other day is good. Equality is important, but isnt success a mix, that is always there. Its always a mix of capability, chance and whether you actually try...