~ B é a t r i c e ~

To protect itself, the brain creates a traumatic dissociation: the victim no longer feels emotions. Yet without emotions, one cannot defend oneself or counter an aggressor’s strategy.

- Muriel Salmona

Etymology: from merit and kratos (power, authority).

Meritocracy is a political, social, and economic system in which privilege and power are obtained through merit. Merit is based on the recognition of one’s value through degrees, experience, qualities, virtues, and achievements. Meritocracy is founded on the principles of equal opportunity, individual freedom, and the recognition of “success.”

The term meritocracy is related to aristocracy (rule exercised by the best, the most deserving, the most capable) in its original meaning, although in common language it is more often associated with the feudal system and hereditary nobility.

Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of the first to establish a meritocratic system in Europe. Since then, France has often been cited as an example of meritocracy, particularly regarding the recognition of educational achievement. Indeed, access to the highest positions in the state (administration, judiciary, politics) or in business traditionally required, and often still requires, graduation from elite institutions (grandes écoles).

« I’m gonna let you in a little secret.

Everyday, once a day, give yourself a present.

Don’t plan it, don’t wait for it, just let it happen. »

« La rose est sans pourquoi ; elle fleurit parce qu’elle fleurit,

N’a souci d’elle-même, ne cherche pas si on la voit. »

Angelus Silesius