Aristocracy Quote by Ross Douthat
“On the evidence we have, the meritocratic ideal ends up being just as undemocratic as the old emphasis on inheritance and tradition, and it forges an elite that has an aristocracy's vices (privilege, insularity, arrogance) without the sense of duty, self-restraint and noblesse oblige that WASPs at their best displayed.”
About This Quote
Meritocracy can reproduce elite privilege, lacking the moral responsibility that historically accompanied aristocratic status.
In simple terms: Meritocracy may create an unaccountable elite.
Key Takeaway
Elite formation without duty.
Themes
meritocracy
elitism
social inequality
duty
aristocracy
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political commentary
social critique
When to use this quote
- political appointments
- corporate board selections
- university admissions
- wealth inheritance debates
Key Concepts
social stratification
moral responsibility
Practical Applications
- Design meritocratic systems with accountability checks
- Institute civic duty requirements for privileged positions
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance merit with collective responsibility?
- What safeguards prevent meritocracy from becoming a new aristocracy?
A Different Perspective
Meritocratic mechanisms can still improve overall talent allocation despite elite risks.
![“The law for religious freedom... [has]put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/thomas-jefferson-43_aristocracy_the-law-for-religious-freedom-has-put-do_60865.jpg)
