"The most important factor in the training of good mental habits consists in acquiring the attitude of suspended conclusion, and in mastering the various methods of searching for new materials to corroborate or to refute the first suggestions that occur." John Dewey
In business, a meritocracy means everyone has an opportunity for recognition and advancement in proportion to her abilities and accomplishments, other things being the same. Success in a meritocracy comes from high performance over time. Other factors play a role, naturally, but personal merit matters most. None other than the legendary Warren Buffet has said as much: "The US meritocratic system has produced the greatest advances in wealth of any system in human history."
Think, for a moment, of our healthcare system from the point of view or rather reference framework of a meritocracy. How would it rate? In my view, not so well, given the miniscule amount of attention given to meritorious efforts to remain well. Why not rewards for and incentives to avoid unnecessary needs for doctors, drugs and all the rest that cost trillions annually? A health care system designed with meritocracy built in would promote positive choices and well outcomes. The system would reward exceptionally positive, quality of life-enhancing lifestyles.
I'd like to see health care (i.e., medical system) reform models assessed using key meritocracy criteria. When politicians and others talk about new ways to fund national health insurance, drug benefit programs, insurance for the uninsured, added medical testing and all the rest, ask "What is the place for merit in such a concept?" Some proposals sound utopian at first, in that all are said to gain and none need subsidize others. This is never the case. Nicolas Berdiaeff once observed, "Utopias now appear much more realizable than one used to think. We are now faced with a different new worry: How to prevent their realization."
Suggestion: Pursue your own personal meritocracy by continuing to live a wellness lifestyle and doing what you can to support others to do likewise.
All the best. Look on the bright side of life.
About this poster: Donald B. Ardell, Ph.D. wrote High Level Wellness: An Alternative to Doctors, Drugs and Disease (Rodale, 1977, Bantam 1979 and Ten Speed Press 1986), a book credited with starting the wellness movement. Since 1984, he has written twelve other popular books on personal responsibility, critical thinking and his three favorite topics associated with meaning and purpose, namely, politics, sex and freedom from religion!
Don's newest book is Aging Beyond Belief: 69 Tips for Real Wellness.