You are welcome to disagree. And we actually agree that people should always do their best.

The point is that some people are never going to score A’s no matter how hard they try. They might be better off playing badminton or learning how to fry kway teow. Don’t just tell them to “study harder.” That said, you are welcome to tell your own kids to study harder.

Also, a lot of people like the clarity of mind to understand the difference between meritocracy and market forces. Truthfully, there is v little meritocracy in life. Mostly it’s just market forces and common sense, but many people have v little of the latter. But this is another post for another day.