Unfortunately it only becomes increasingly evident to me that most people don't make any decisions based on merit. The dog and pony show is much more important

Unfortunately it only becomes increasingly evident to me that most people don't make any decisions based on merit. The dog and pony show is much more important than knowing your stuff because honestly, most people don't know anything well enough to know if you know your stuff or not anyway. If your benefit is dependent on any level of critical analysis, you've already lost. Learn to create a positive emotional response in people. Don't rely on their ability to rationally function.