The western intellectual tradition contains a rationalistic strand which can be traced back to ancient Greece, and which differs from other traditions (e.g. Jewish, Buddhist) in being largely independent of religion and in seeking no aim beyond the theorizing itself. This is what is meant by “the pursuit of excellence”. Some of the theoretical findings have been transformed by innovators and businessmen and women into discoveries which have led to a vast improvement in material welfare. However, the high regard accorded to the intellectual elites is the source of inequalities which conflict with an important social ideal.
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