The fact is that we live in a hypercompetitive meritocracy: colleges and businesses alike
reward goal-oriented superstars and those who self-promote are most likely to thrive. This
rigorous culture-wide emphasis on external acheivements can lead to great success but it also
fosters shrewdness and a narrow self-focus: a Big Me culture. As a result we may be more
capable -- but are we better leaders and thinkers?
