“How vain, without the merit, is the name.” – Homer

“The Council has granted me permission to train you. You will be a Jedi. I promise.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

The Jedi order was a meritocracy. Jedi had merit. Progression through the ranks and the award of titles was granted on consistent demonstration of attributes and performance commensurate of the rank or title being sought. A Padawan who aspired to be a Jedi had to demonstrate that she could be a Jedi. A Jedi Knight who wished to become a Jedi Master was expected to perform at the level of a Master before it was granted. Rank and title were not granted out of favour or as an exercise in diversity or equity. Anyone could be a Jedi or a Master Jedi if they met the pre-requisites for being in the Jedi Order and they demonstrated the qualities for that role over decades of commitment.

“It is of no consequence of what parents a man is born, as long as he be a man of merit.” – Horace

Ahsoka Tano worked hard for years under the apprenticeship of Anakin to achieve the rank of Jedi. She survived the ordeals of the Jedi trials and fought bravely through the clone wars. She wanted to be accepted and recognised as a Jedi Knight because she had been tested time and time again and had not only performed but excelled in her duties.

Yet it was never good enough and she was made to wait and keep proving herself. Finally, when she was granted the title of Jedi Knight it was an insult. Betrayed by the Jedi Order when she was set up for a crime she had not committed and hunted, she was finally absolved of guilt and vindicated. As a concession the Jedi Order declared that the ordeal had been her final test on the path of Knighthood and granted her the title, but she refused. Ahsoka had principles, she would not be placated by rewards and compensation. The betrayal was final, and she left the Jedi Order, a move which likely saved her life.

“It seems to never occur to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Anakin felt entitled from an early age. The slave child of a slave he grew up underprivileged and on the lowest rungs of society. Destiny granted him the chance to become something, to use the Force for the good of all. Rather than embrace his destiny he sought something he felt deprived of, the power over destiny. Anakin’s merit was his force abilities and drive, otherwise he was a fatherless slave-child.

Kenobi was thrust into his role as a Jedi Knight with the untimely death of his Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Despite his lack of experience Kenobi stepped up to the challenge and defeated Darth Maul in combat completing the final trial needed to become a Jedi. Qui-Gon Jinn recognised Obi-Wan Kenobi’s abilities and entrusted Anakin Skywalker, the chosen one, in his direct care as mentor and teacher. The Jedi Council was wise enough to grant Kenobi permission. Over time the relationship between Anakin and Obi-wan Kenobi would ultimately change the destiny of the entire galaxy.

“I judge people based on their capability, honesty, and merit.” – Donald Trump

Each of these characters destinies were intrinsically interwoven. The fate of each of them was ultimately decided by the Force. They each achieved their place through the merit of their actions and the intent behind it. Without merit none would have found themselves as pivotal characters in a play that would ultimately bring unity to the Force.

Ahsoka Tano, Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi originated from underprivileged backgrounds. Anakin was a slave, Ahsoka was a female Togruta and Obi-Wan was removed from his parents by the Jedi Order while still a small child. They were drafted into a fictional version of the Janissaries and dedicated to a life of training, service, and discipline in the Jedi Order. Who they were, where they came from, their race, gender and class did not matter. All that mattered was that they were strong with the Force. They were singled out because the Jedi Order saw the potential of merit not because they saw an opportunity for diversity, equity, or inclusion. Identity did not matter to the Jedi as you were a Jedi and nothing more. Even a former slave could become Jedi Master if he showed merit. Anakin was no less seen as the prophesized chosen one, the one who would bring balance to the Force.

“The learner always begins by finding fault, but the scholar sees the positive merit in everything.” – Hegel

Anakin believed that power was more important than merit. Rather than accept that destiny he wanted more. Self-discipline, humility, patience, honesty, and temperance were all limitations to Anakin, mere obstacles that blocked him from achieving his deserved goal of becoming the highest and most respected Jedi Master in the history of the order. Most of all, Anakin wanted power because he had been powerless as a child, a victim, a slave. Power could give him the means of setting things right, overcoming death and pain, saving his mother. The more he fought against reality the angrier and more determined and self-entitled he became.
Hubris, arrogance, desire and anger replaced merit.

“Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.” – Alexander Pope

In the real world, what is merit and is it important? Would you rather visit a Doctor who was employed based on their race or social demographic or in their ability to practice medicine? Should a Fire Fighter be selected for their ability to meet the mental and physical challenges of the job or for their gender and sexuality? Merit should be the universal goal not diveristy and inclusion.

The Jedi Order only survived for thousands of years because it was a meritocracy not a DEI experiment. A Jedi had competency, ability, enthusiasm, conscientiousness and honesty which in the real world are all markers of successful people. They are also the characteristics of individuals who demonstrate merit. Look at our leaders and role models today. Look at people with important jobs and those who inspire others to greater accomplishments. Do they have merit?Do they demonstrate the virtues and values which we expect to see? Have they earned their place through commitment, honesty, courage, competency, and hard work? Do they value power and expediency over merit? Now ask of yourself the same question.

Dedicated to the firefighters of LAFD who in January 2025 did their duty despite being let down by the incompetence of their command and the ineptitude of politicians.