Best man Quote by Owen Wister
““It was through the Declaration of Independence that we Americans acknowledged the eternal inequality of man. For by it we abolished a cut-and-dried aristocracy. We had seen little men artificially held up in high places, and great men artificially held down in low places, and our own justice-loving hearts abhorred this violence to human nature. Therefore, we decreed that every man should thenceforth have equal liberty to find his own level. By this very decree we acknowledged and gave freedom to true aristocracy, saying, "Let the best man win, whoever he is." Let the best man win! That is America's word. That is true democracy. And true democracy and true aristocracy are one and the same thing””
About This Quote
The passage links the Declaration of Independence to a belief that true democracy equals meritocracy, where liberty allows the most capable individuals to rise, rejecting inherited privilege.
In simple terms: Equality and meritocracy are seen as the same, letting the best succeed.
Key Takeaway
Promote systems that reward ability over birthright.
Themes
freedom
meritocracy
democracy
equality
philosophy
politics
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- employment
- political reform
- leadership selection
Key Concepts
social contract
natural rights
egalitarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent meritocracy from becoming elitist?
- How can we balance equality with recognizing talent?
A Different Perspective
Meritocracy can ignore structural barriers that limit opportunity.
