Yea we’re not disagreeing here.

The myth of meritocracy is extremely compelling, possibly to an even greater extent in academia than elsewhere.

This of essentially what I’m targeting in my dumb/childish accusation, especially in those with some job security or tenure and so have more power and ideally wisdom.

I can do more good pursuing knowledge for knowledge’s sake than work that is easier and more remunerative but less fulfilling.

That’s idealistic I’d say, and all the luck to you my friend.

In the end though, my accusation is intentionally provocative and intentionally aimed at what academics take pride in because at some point, IMO, academia needs to see that they’re often embarrassing themselves and letting themselves down, maybe not individually, but at some level. And, beyond that, maybe not pursuing as much of the greater good as we would all like to think.

I suspect academia might be pretty central to civilisation and the more corrupt it gets the more corruption leaks into the civilisation.

Anyway. All the best to you. Hope you get what you’re looking for and don’t burn out from the system or anything like that. Cheers for the chat!!