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About this quote

What does it mean?
Career advancement should be based on ability rather than noble birth or wealth.
In plain terms
Everyone should have a chance to succeed based on their skills.
What can you take from it?
Merit should determine opportunity, not background.

Where it applies

  • hiring decisions
  • promotion policies
  • educational access

Putting it to work

  • evaluate candidates on skills
  • remove class barriers
  • promote based on performance

Questions to consider

  • How much does your background shape your chances?
  • What systems reward merit over connections?

Another view

In practice, birth and fortune still influence opportunity significantly.

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