Meritocracy

I would love to have a few discussions here . . .

In your mind, what is the value of competition? And does the inevitable meritocracy that develops best serve us an individuals and as a country?

I live the idea that each of us should strive to do our personal best (compete with ourselves so to speak), and that is what enables us to discover our individual gifts.  By being in community with others we can notice how we are different and the same, and come to understand ourselves better. It helps us to see what others are doing, but not define ourselves by a place on a list that tests what is known.  Those measures should not necessarily narrow the field, but inform us of strengths and weaknesses that we as individuals can decide what to do with.

A little muddled, but you get my drift?  (It's time for me to get to class!)  Any comments?