Notebooks

notebook

When merit became myth

Although merit is an age-old idea, the West's post-60s culture of narcissism reshaped it in novel ways, spurring the rise of smug meritocrats.

Johan Hakelius May 14, 2021

notebook

This woman’s work

Male-dominated music is no meritocracy. But look beyond chart rankings and sales, and the work of true artists endures.

Fay Schopen May 13, 2021

notebook

Football’s most perfect meritocracy

The transfer market rewards footballers on merit. If only the same could be said about managerial performance.

Simon Kuper May 12, 2021

notebook

The Napoleonic myth of la méritocratie

The French Revolution spawned a new age of opportunity for the many to make it to high office. Or did it?

Robert Tombs May 11, 2021

notebook

Imperial Germany – mighty aristocracy or modern meritocracy?

Post-1871 Imperial Germany's embrace of meritocratic ideals was only skin deep.

Joachim Whaley May 10, 2021

notebook

Apology for a woman writing

Not all women in ancient Greece benefited from the advent of democracy – but exceptions like Aspasia are a source of inspiration today.

Erica Benner May 8, 2021

notebook

Angels among us

Rainer Maria Rilke’s masterpiece extends the dimensions of poetic discourse and offers a fresh view of humanity.

Harry Cluff May 5, 2021

notebook

What if Bach and Handel had met?

The massive international stature of Handel’s success seems to have irked Bach’s acolytes enough for them to fashion a false binary which to an extent persists to this day.

Mahan Esfahani April 28, 2021

notebook

The promise of Greenland

Inhospitable Greenland is no longer a geopolitical wasteland. New opportunities are spawning competition for the island.

Bruce Anderson April 20, 2021