Marti Noxon Quotes

Brahmins cannot hope to claim a high and superior status forever. Times are changing. They have to come down.

As Americans, I think we really believe that with the meritocracy that exists in our country, the equality of opportunity is so important to the foundation of our culture and our society.

America is a meritocracy.

I think this country is genuinely a meritocracy.

If your only opportunity is to be equal then it is not opportunity.

I have no respect for the passion of equality, which seems to me merely idealizing envy - I don't disparage envy, but I don't accept it as legitimately my master.

Conservatives often say that we should care not about equality of outcomes but about equality of opportunity.

When people are educated, class distinction disappears.

A meritocracy increases inequality --- by its very nature, it has to.

I think the debate around nepotism is futile because I am an outsider and I know that there is no compensation of talent.

A meritocracy is a system in which the people who are the luckiest in their health and genetic endowment; luckiest in terms of family support, encouragement and, probably, income; luckiest in their educational and career opportunities; and luckiest in so many other ways difficult to enumerate - these are the folks who reap the largest rewards.

Everyone is born equally capable but lacks equal opportunity.

I don't ever remember them telling us or teaching us that the only way we could be more successful is if other people were less successful. They never inculcated the belief that somehow, in order for us to climb the ladder, other people have to come down from the ladder.

It's not a meritocracy until everyone starts with the same opportunities, is it?

I never came into life with any favours or privileges.

Democracy presumes that we're all created equal; competition proves we are not, or else every race would end in a tie.

I'm aware people will think I've had an easy way into a dream career. My view is, if anyone has opportunities, they'll take them. My surname opens doors, but those doors will slam firmly if I'm no good.

We must restore the emotional relationship that people have to the idea of America, that no matter where you come from, no matter where you live, that you have access to the same opportunities that somebody who is born in privilege.

There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is distinctly superior in whatever way.

I don't think anybody can claim success at any part of our lives, private or professional, if there are others that don't enjoy the same opportunities.

All that is base in the masses is temporary, no doubt serving only to prevent evolution (that of the elite, as well) from proceeding too quickly and thus not becoming 'reality.'

Every American wants a clean slate, but nobody wants to lose what they've got.

I don't believe that the American dream should be reserved for those who are born into the elite or somehow have been given an advantage over others. My growing-up experience is probably the most important thing that guides my priorities and my work today.

We're Americans. We celebrate success. We just don't want the game to be rigged.

Everybody should have an equal chance - but they shouldn't have a flying start.