In short, Mead argues that our meritocratic society makes it harder for us to remember that everything comes from God — makes it harder for us to remain humble. This, perhaps answers some important questions: Why are many who live in nations with less economic (and religious) freedom more devout and dedicated? Why does Christianity seem to be more energetic in developing parts of the world? Why are so many successful Americans so unhappy and unfulfilled?

People who work hard to get ahead tend to think they deserve all the credit (The opposite phenomenon exists among the “gauche caviar” trust fund kids who didn’t earn their wealth, and turn to socialism.) This, I think, also helps explain the noblesse oblige phenomenon, whereby aristocrats are sometimes kinder and more understanding of the poor than are middle-class folks who were once poor (but worked their way up.)