Perfectly said...
Please do not argue on my behalf. I have learnt to ignore off-topic
arguments. It serves no purpose. BTW, I just posted my observation,
without putting my anguish and frustration behind it. Self-criticism is
an inner compass. It helps improve. It identifies what's ailing...
Don't ask! Another round of verbal abuse would ensue, and veer off-topic.
Regarding meritocracy:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/meritocracy?r=75&src=ref&ch=dic
1. an elite group of people whose progress is based on ability and talent
rather than on class privilege or wealth.
2. a system in which such persons are rewarded and advanced: The dean
believes the educational system should be a meritocracy.
3. a social system formed on such a basis
4. Cultural Dictionary: A government or society in which citizens who
display superior achievement are rewarded with positions of leadership.
In a meritocracy, all citizens have the opportunity to be recognized and
advanced in proportion to their abilities and accomplishments. The ideal
of meritocracy has become controversial because of its association with
the use of tests of intellectual ability, such as the Scholastic Aptitude
Test, to regulate admissions to elite colleges and universities. Many
contend that an individual's performance on these tests reflects his or
her social class and family environment more than ability.
Origin:
meritocracy Look up meritocracy at Dictionary.com
coined 1958 by British sociologist Michael Young (1915–2002) and used in
title of his book, "The Rise of the Meritocracy"; from merit (n.) + -
cracy. Related: Meritocratic.
Now the question is: Has any word remained true to its original meaning
much later than when it was coined?