Meritocracy in Historical Perspective

Meritocracy is often seen as a hallmark of modern societies, yet the belief that those best suited to the task should govern dates back to classical antiquity. This article provides a historical perspective on meritocracy by examining the long preindustrial era, exploring both continuities and differences between past and present understandings of the concept and its practical applications. I outline the intellectual origins of the idea that “the best” should rule, tracing its development from ancient Greece to the Italian Renaissance. My analysis explores “pockets of meritocracy” that existed in medieval and early modern periods, showing that republican polities were, at least in principle, more open to the political advancement of commoners and that advancement based on merit was relatively more accessible in some specific groups and institutions—state administrations and the church. I conclude by suggesting the ways in which historical experience can shed light on contemporary debates and concerns surrounding meritocracy.