The book’s core argument is that western society is much the better for being a meritocracy, but that it’s threatened by the consolidation of power within the elite and a populist backlash. He makes a very good historical case that the economic prosperity of western societies has been turbocharged by the rise of meritocracy and contrasts previous eras when status was derived from birth and connections rather than talent. He gives a fascinating portrait of mandarin China, although fails to properly explain why such a meritocratic system was overshadowed by the west. He’s critical both of left wing social justice criticisms of meritocracy as well as right wing populist anti-elitist ones, but does a very good and persuasive job of describing their positions. I think it’s one of the best descriptions of the right-wing populist mindset that I’ve read. He wants governments to double down on meritocracy and cites Singapore as a model. He’s in favour of selective grammar schools and very critical of private education. A very thought provoking and interesting book although I’m not sure it’s changed my mind about anything. I am a natural supporter of meritocracy and it simply confirmed a lot of my views.