Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the impact of "meritocracy" on individuals, particularly in East Asian cultures, highlighting how it leads to a sense of worth being tied to achievements and societal recognition [5][19][20]. Group 1: Understanding Meritocracy - "Meritocracy" emphasizes personal effort and achievements as the basis for social recognition, leading to a culture where individuals feel their value is closely linked to their accomplishments [5][19]. - Many individuals are becoming aware that their psychological struggles stem from the pressures of "meritocracy," yet they find themselves trapped in an achievement-oriented environment [5][19]. Group 2: Psychological Impacts - The article illustrates how early educational experiences can instill a sense of fear regarding performance, leading to a narrow focus on achievements at the expense of personal experiences and relationships [8][9]. - The concept of "phallic narcissism" in childhood is discussed, where children seek validation from parents, and a lack of recognition can lead to an over-reliance on external validation in adulthood [14][19]. Group 3: Overcoming the Constraints of Meritocracy - Suggestions for breaking free from the constraints of "meritocracy" include engaging in simple, enjoyable activities that do not require validation or achievement [15][16][27]. - The article emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing one's inherent worth, independent of achievements [20][36]. Group 4: Redefining Success - The narrative challenges the conventional notion of success, suggesting that it can sometimes act as a barrier rather than a goal, as illustrated by the case of an individual who left a high-paying job in search of meaning [23][24]. - The article encourages readers to seek alternative role models and redefine success beyond traditional metrics like income and status [26][30]. Group 5: Practical Steps for Change - Practical advice includes allowing oneself to "waste" time, engaging in activities without a specific outcome, and focusing on the sensory experience of daily life [27][28][29]. - The article advocates for building relationships that are not based on achievements, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance [38].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article revolves around the concept of "meritocracy," which emphasizes individual effort and achievement as the basis for social recognition [4][30][32] - The article discusses the psychological impact of meritocracy, highlighting how it can lead to anxiety and a sense of inadequacy among individuals who feel pressured to constantly prove their worth [5][54] - It suggests that many people are beginning to recognize the negative effects of meritocracy on their mental health and are seeking ways to break free from its constraints [5][30][34] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of personal experiences and self-acceptance over societal standards of success, advocating for a more balanced approach to life [18][48][49] - It provides practical suggestions for individuals to reconnect with their true selves, such as engaging in activities that do not require validation or achievement [44][46][57] - The narrative includes examples of individuals who have experienced success yet felt unfulfilled, illustrating that traditional measures of success can sometimes act as barriers to personal happiness [41][42][54]