Well, what success means changes from one society to another, as it&#x27;s always getting whatever society values.<p>The entire point of meritocracy comes from the postulate that &quot;merit&quot; is some universal concept and that we should adjust our society so success is reached by merit. And then, and just then, we should contemplate those questions, for practical purposes.<p>It&#x27;s indeed a much more complex idea than most people shouting &quot;meritocracy&quot; around entertain, but it&#x27;s a meaningless idea. Our society has been less meritocratic on the past, and it&#x27;s possible to make it more so in the future.