Sandel argues that meritocracy, this idea that success comes purely from talent and hard work, has gone too far. It makes winner feel like they fully earned everything, and losers feel like they deserve their struggles. That mindset, he says, is toxic. It fuels arrogance at the top and resentment at the bottom, especially when elite education becomes the gatekeeper to opportunity. Sandel shows how this belief system has helped drive political divides and populist backlash. His core message is that we need to stop judging people by credentials and start valuing all kinds of work and contribution. Real dignity comes from being part of a shared project, not just climbing the ladder.