If you doubt it, ponder these numbers from the US, a country widely considered meritocratic, where talent and hard work are thought to be enough to propel anyone through the ranks of the rich.

• 如果你怀疑这话的“真理性”，考虑一下这些数字吧！美国--一个公认的精英社会，辛勤劳作和高智力被认为是敦促每个人通向成功的因素。