重点摘要
1. 精英主义削弱社会团结，助长不平等
我们越是认为自己是自我造就和自给自足的，就越难以学会感恩和谦逊。而没有这些情感，就很难关心公共利益。
精英主义的阴暗面。 虽然人们应该根据才能和努力获得回报的理念看似公平，但它对社会产生了腐蚀性的影响。它暗示成功完全是个人才能的结果，从而：
- 使成功者相信他们理应拥有好运
- 让那些挣扎的人感到自己对困难负有个人责任
- 侵蚀不同群体之间的同情心和社会团结
- 将极端不平等合理化为才能和努力的差异反映
精英主义理想忽视了运气、环境和社会支持在塑造结果中的作用。这使得人们更难以意识到作为社区成员的相互依存和共同命运。
2. 上升的修辞掩盖了停滞的流动性现实
美国人相信，凭借努力和才能，任何人都可以崛起，这一信念已不再符合现实。
流动性神话。 各政治派别的领导人都提到任何人都可以通过努力和才能崛起的承诺。然而，这种修辞掩盖了不便的真相：
- 近年来，美国的向上流动性下降
- 出生于贫困家庭的孩子不太可能达到中产阶级水平
- 其他发达国家的社会流动性现在高于美国
- 上升的修辞通过暗示不平等源于才能来为不平等辩护
这种修辞与现实之间的差距在那些感到系统对他们不公的人中滋生了怨恨。同时，它也使精英们避免解决机会的结构性障碍。
3. 学历主义已成为最后一种可接受的偏见
基于运气平等主义捍卫福利国家的自由派几乎不可避免地走向了一种受害者的修辞，认为福利接受者缺乏主动性，无法负责任地行动。
学位鸿沟。 随着高等教育成为高地位工作的主要途径，一种新的歧视形式出现了：
- 没有大学学位的人面临污名和有限的机会
- 受过良好教育的精英看不起那些受教育程度较低的人
- 政治代表性越来越局限于拥有学位的人
- 这种“教育主义”比其他偏见更为社会可接受
学历主义体系：
- 忽视了未通过正式学历所体现的宝贵技能和智慧
- 贬低了工人阶级职业的贡献
- 在没有学位的人中滋生了怨恨感，他们感到不被尊重
4. 高等教育强化特权而非促进流动性
美国的高等教育就像一栋大楼的电梯，大多数人都在顶层进入。
巩固优势。 尽管有关于平等机会的修辞，高等教育体系在很大程度上再生产了现有的不平等：
- 精英大学招收的富裕家庭学生远多于贫困家庭学生
- 传统录取和对运动员的偏好有利于特权阶层
- 即使是公立大学也越来越倾向于富裕的外州学生
- 录取过程奖励昂贵的考试准备和简历建设
增加多样性的努力更多地集中在种族和性别上，而非阶级。因此，高等教育往往起到：
- 为那些已经占优势的人提供精英资格
- 为不平等的系统提供一种精英主义的合法性外衣
5. 成功伦理忽视运气，过分强调个人责任
如果我的成功是我自己的努力，那么他们的失败必定是他们的错。
责任陷阱。 精英主义思维促进了一种极端个人责任的伦理：
- 忽视了运气、环境和社会支持在结果中的作用
- 使成功者相信他们完全应得自己的奖励
- 让那些挣扎的人感到自己应为困难负责
- 为仅将社会援助限制在“应得”的贫困者中辩护
这种心态：
- 侵蚀了社会团结和同情心
- 使解决结构性不平等变得更加困难
- 加剧了特权阶层的压力、焦虑和“完美主义”
更为细致的观点承认，超出个人控制的因素如何塑造机会和结果。
6. 技术官僚治理侵蚀民主辩论和公民参与
将我们的公共话语视为可以将道德和政治判断外包给市场或专家和技术官僚，这使民主辩论失去了意义和目的。
民主赤字。 技术官僚治理方法的兴起：
- 将复杂的政治和道德问题简化为经济效率问题
- 提高了受过认证的专家对公民的权威
- 缩小了民主审议和辩论的范围
这一趋势：
- 剥夺了普通公民参与自我治理的权力
- 在那些被视为脱离现实的精英中滋生了怨恨
- 未能解决关于公共利益的根本问题
重振民主需要为在实质性的道德和政治问题上进行有意义的公民参与创造空间。
7. 恢复工作的尊严对社会凝聚力至关重要
富裕家庭的年轻人中为何存在过度的情感困扰？答案在于精英主义的强制性——不断的表现、成就和成功的压力。
重新审视工作。 对非学历工作贬值的现象：
- 降低了对工人阶级职业的社会尊重
- 导致了文化和经济的失落感
- 加剧了对被视为看不起普通工人的精英的怨恨
恢复对所有社会有价值工作的尊严的尊重至关重要：
- 恢复共同目标感和相互认可
- 解决推动民粹主义运动的愤怒和疏离感
- 创建一个更具凝聚力的社会，让所有人都有机会贡献
这需要超越狭隘的经济指标，考虑不同形式工作的公民和社会价值。
8. 超越精英主义需要重新思考成功和机会
对我们命运偶然性的生动感知可以激发出一种谦逊：“若非上帝的恩典，或出生的偶然，或命运的神秘，我也可能如此。”这种谦逊是走出驱使我们分裂的严酷成功伦理的开始。
重新构想公共利益。 解决精英主义的负面影响需要：
- 认识到运气和社会支持在个人成功中的作用
- 扩大对有价值贡献的定义，超越学历成就
- 在各个层面创造尊严工作的机会和公民参与
- 培养谦逊、感恩和社会团结
这一转变需要：
- 重新思考教育，重视多样化的智力和贡献形式
- 制定更广泛分享繁荣的经济政策
- 重振民主文化，让公民参与塑造公共利益
通过超越精英主义思维的局限，我们可以建立一个更加公正和凝聚的社会。
最后更新日期:
FAQ
What's The Tyranny of Merit about?
- Exploration of Meritocracy: Michael J. Sandel examines the concept of meritocracy, critiquing the belief that success is solely due to individual talent and effort.
- Impact of Inequality: The book discusses how meritocracy can lead to inequality and social division, creating a divide between "winners" and "losers."
- Moral and Political Renewal: Sandel calls for a reevaluation of societal values, suggesting that a focus on merit can erode social bonds and civic responsibility.
Why should I read The Tyranny of Merit?
- Understanding Current Events: The book provides insights into the political climate, particularly the rise of populism and discontent with elites.
- Philosophical Perspective: Sandel offers a philosophical framework for discussing justice, equality, and the moral implications of meritocracy.
- Practical Implications: It encourages readers to reflect on their beliefs about merit and achievement, offering a lens to view personal and societal success.
What are the key takeaways of The Tyranny of Merit?
- Meritocracy's Flaws: Sandel argues that meritocracy can lead to hubris among the successful and humiliation among the unsuccessful.
- Moral Arbitrariness: Success is often influenced by factors like family background and education, which are morally arbitrary.
- Call for Solidarity: The author advocates for recognizing mutual dependence and shared responsibility over individual achievement.
How does Sandel define meritocracy in The Tyranny of Merit?
- System of Reward: Meritocracy is defined as a system where individuals are rewarded based on abilities and efforts.
- Illusion of Equal Opportunity: Sandel argues that meritocracy creates an illusion of equal opportunity while perpetuating inequalities.
- Cultural Implications: It shapes societal values, equating success with virtue and failure with personal shortcomings.
What is the relationship between meritocracy and inequality in The Tyranny of Merit?
- Inequality as a Byproduct: Meritocracy often exacerbates inequality by rewarding those with advantages.
- Cultural Resentment: The belief in meritocracy can lead to resentment among those who do not succeed.
- Need for Structural Change: Sandel calls for reevaluating societal structures that perpetuate inequality.
How does The Tyranny of Merit address the concept of success ethics?
- Ethics of Success: Sandel explores the moral implications of defining success solely in terms of merit.
- Moral Responsibility: Success should be viewed as a collective endeavor, fostering a sense of moral obligation.
- Critique of Individualism: The book critiques the individualistic ethos that can undermine social bonds.
What role does education play in The Tyranny of Merit?
- Education as a Gatekeeper: Education is often seen as the primary means of achieving success in a meritocratic society.
- Credentialism: The rise of credentialism devalues other forms of knowledge and experience.
- Need for Inclusive Policies: Sandel argues for educational policies that promote equity and access.
How does Sandel connect meritocracy to populism in The Tyranny of Merit?
- Populist Backlash: The rise of populism is linked to the failures of meritocracy, with discontent among working-class voters.
- Cultural Divide: There is a cultural divide between the educated elite and the working class.
- Call for Political Renewal: Sandel emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to governance.
What solutions does Sandel propose in The Tyranny of Merit?
- Reimagining Success: Sandel calls for redefining success to emphasize community and shared responsibility.
- Addressing Inequality: He advocates for policies like progressive taxation and social safety nets.
- Promoting Civic Engagement: Greater civic engagement and public discourse are encouraged to prioritize moral considerations.
How does Sandel address the concept of luck in The Tyranny of Merit?
- Luck's Influence on Success: Sandel highlights the significant role that luck plays in determining success.
- Moral Responsibility: Recognizing the role of luck can foster humility and responsibility among the successful.
- Reframing Merit: A broader understanding of merit that includes luck and social context is advocated.
What critiques does Sandel offer regarding the current education system?
- Emphasis on Standardized Testing: Sandel critiques the reliance on standardized tests as a measure of merit.
- Inequitable Admissions Practices: College admissions often favor legacy applicants, undermining meritocracy.
- Cultural Pressure: The intense pressure on students detracts from education's true purpose.
What are the best quotes from The Tyranny of Merit and what do they mean?
- “The winners of globalization pulled away from the losers.”: Highlights the societal divide and need for empathy.
- “Meritocracy can lead to hubris among the winners and humiliation among the losers.”: Points out the psychological effects of meritocracy.
- “We are all in this together.”: Reflects the need for true community and collective responsibility.
评论
**《优越的暴政》**挑战了精英主义的观念，认为这种观念为不平等辩护，并在赢家中滋生傲慢，同时羞辱失败者。桑德尔探讨了这一制度如何导致政治两极分化和民粹主义。他提出了一些替代方案，如随机大学录取和强调所有工作的尊严。尽管一些评论者认为这本书内容重复或对某些观点持不同意见，但许多人赞扬了其对当代问题的发人深省的分析。这本书对精英主义的批判及其对社会的影响引起了众多读者的共鸣，为社会和政治动态提供了新的视角。
Similar Books
Poor Economics
A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty
Slow Down
The Degrowth Manifesto
Moral Tribes
Emotion, Reason, and the Gap Between Us and Them
Nexus
A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
Less Is More
How Degrowth Will Save the World
The Identity Trap
A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time
Technofeudalism
What Killed Capitalism
