The implication here being that intelligence, impulse control, and the ability and desire to work towards long term goals are not merit? I'm curious, what then do you think constitutes merit?
Merit can't be defined generally, varies according to circumstances, and people disagree on what is desirable. When it can be defined, it is usually difficult or impossible to measure. When we attempt to measure it, some people find ways of "gaming the system". And when it is easy to measure accurately, it's often of little practical use.
We have created a society, or rather one has been created for us, in which borderline psychopathic behaviour is rewarded. Many people are beginning to wake up to this. Instead of trying to create a meritocracy, we should decide what sort of society we want and work towards that.
