---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Meritocracy is our social ideal…"
description: "\"Meritocracy is our social ideal, particularly among good liberals. Equality of opportunity, but not of outcome. Not evaluating people by their [outside..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/566/chris-hayes-2208_equality_meritocracy-is-our-social-ideal-particul_363302.png"
---

#  Meritocracy is our social ideal, particularly among good…

![“Meritocracy is our social ideal, particularly among good liberals. Equality of opportunity, but not of outcome. Not evaluating people by their &#91;outside&#93; features, but by their innate talent and drive.” quote by Chris Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/566/chris-hayes-2208_equality_meritocracy-is-our-social-ideal-particul_363302.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/566/chris-hayes-2208_equality_meritocracy-is-our-social-ideal-particul_363302.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/566/chris-hayes-2208_equality_meritocracy-is-our-social-ideal-particul_363302.png)

> “Meritocracy is our social ideal, particularly among good liberals. Equality of opportunity, but not of outcome. Not evaluating people by their \[outside\] features, but by their innate talent and drive.”

[Chris Hayes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hayes/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Meritocracy values equal opportunity, not equal outcomes, judging people by talent and effort rather than background.

**In simple terms:** Judge by talent, not background.

Key Takeaway

Promote talent‑based evaluation.

Themes

equality meritocracy fairness

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- hiring
- education policy
- grant awards

Key Concepts

social justice political philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we address hidden biases?
- What measures ensure true opportunity?

A Different Perspective

Ignores systemic barriers.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Equality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/equality/) [Equality of opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/equality-of-opportunity/) [Ideals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideals/) [Meritocracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meritocracy/) [Motivation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motivation/) [Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opportunity/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Social](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/social/) [Talent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talent/)

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