Part 7/17:
The modern egalitarian ethos champions the idea that everyone should be equal and that hierarchies are inherently unjust. However, this perspective overlooks the fundamental necessity of hierarchies of competence. Think of a hierarchy in a surgical theater: you want the most skilled neurosurgeon operating, not someone who's merely willing. Hierarchies serve a practical purpose—they organize society efficiently, reward excellence, and ensure problems are solved by the most capable individuals.