What is a meritocracy and what defines merit? Does the state define the level of merit a person or act has? Does a business, or can we ask our family and friends? Perhaps merit is defined by popularity or the amount of money one earns. In any case what we think has merit and who we think has merit tells everyone a lot about us, not so much about the person rated or even our rating system. However, all that being said and true, there is a way to determine a persons merit.