Why nobody “deserves” what they have
In a recent blog on why a society based on merit can’t solve inequality, I mentioned an idea which I would like to make the main focus of today’s blog post: While it is true that not everybody makes the same effort, It is also true that not everybody has the same starting point.
Many people have initiated the race of life with clear disadvantages. Michael Sandel points out two main areas where these disadvantages can take place: talent and fortune. The analysis of these two will help us see how the concept of merit or deserving is inadequate when making claims about what people deserve.
The arbitrary nature of talents
Consider the remarkable athlete LeBron James. He's born with exceptional genetics that translate into his immense sporting potential. While effort is undoubtedly a part of his success, it's crucial to acknowledge that not everyone starts with such an advantage.
In an alternate universe where he didn't possess this exceptional physical constitution, would he have reached the same heights, even with the same level of dedication?
Same thing could be said about intellect or any capability where we have not done anything to inherit. It is true that this potential can be developed through ruthless hours of training and practice but the arbitrary nature of talents remains.
The unpredictability of fortune or luck
LeBron James is fortunate to live in a society that loves basketball and is willing to pay to watch him play. However, if he had been born in Renaissance Florence, he might not have enjoyed the same success unless he also had the mysterious talent of being a great fresco painter (Tyranny of merit, 123).
Asserting that LeBron James deserves his current position overlooks the fact that he didn't have any control over his genetic potential or the society he was born into, where his particular talent is highly valued.
A better perspective on our achievements
If nobody truly deserves what they have, then how should we describe our accomplishments?
Perhaps the best way to talk about our achievements or what we have in our lives is through the concept of "gift" or "blessing."
By being aware that there are many variables beyond our effort that are outside of our control, we can see what we have as a product partially of our hard work, but not solely as a result of it.
This allows us to adopt an attitude of solidarity towards others. We stop viewing things one-dimensionally, where merit or effort is the only thing we consider.
The person we judge may have a chronic chemical imbalance due to generational trauma in their family. Or, this same person may not have been in the right place at the right time. Furthermore, nobody is to blame for being born with the "wrong" passport or a language that hasn't had global significance.
We need to view our accomplishments with more humility and gratitude since there is a great deal we have been gifted without us having anything to do with that.
A word on “victim mentality”
The difficulties we go through are the best excuses not to grow because they are palpable
In this sense, a person with a “victim mentality” has that mindset because they have been or are a victim.
When someone says, “don't play the victim,” it overlooks the fact that often the person “playing the victim” is a victim with legitimate reasons. It would be absurd to tell someone who has been a victim of attempted murder not to act like a victim in the days following the incident.
Now, just because a person has been a victim of something specific doesn't mean that person has to remain stuck in that traumatic experience.
Having been born in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Peru, I have had the opportunity to meet many people who have suffered all kinds of injustices. However, there was a common characteristic among the ones who were content with their lives: they all went against the odds. They defied the destiny imposed upon them.
The attitude behind these individuals was as follows,
Yes, I know there are many systemic injustices, and I've endured many terrible things since I was a child. But with the help of others and by refusing to accept that things had to be this way, I have tried to improve everything I can and focus on what I can control to make my life a little better.
While it's true that we should never downplay the injustices people suffer, the help they receive must go beyond just acknowledging what they have experienced.
The life philosophy of these survivors is the same philosophy with which I face challenges in my life: go against the odds and see what happens!
This reminds me of what I always say to my wife when I'm about to ask for something from someone or a company,
I already have the 'no,' so I'm going to see if they'll give me the 'yes.'
