Thanks for an intelligent response. I think there are multiple definitions of "merit" at work here. The form of merit which is chosen and admirable is not nece

Thanks for an intelligent response. I think there are multiple definitions of "merit" at work here. The form of merit which is chosen and admirable is not necessarily the same as the "merit" in "meritocracy". I agree that merely being born with an attribute is not really "merit", but on the other hand I think a "meritocracy" is about rewarding ability, not "merit", and perhaps needs a better name. Wikipedia defines it as: Meritocracy is a system of government or other organization wherein appointments are made and responsibilities assigned to individuals based upon demonstrated intelligence and ability (merit). which is different again to what I meant... the form of "meritocracy" I mentioned would exist even in the absence of society. If the world consisted of a bunch of individuals on isolated and identical islands who never interacted then it would be a perfect "meritocracy" in the sense I meant it, because each would acquire wealth and quality of life depending only upon his own ability to hunt, gather, build shelter, et cetera.