What an ancient Chinese philosopher can teach us about Americans’ obsession with college rankings

More than 2,000 years ago, Laozi was all too familiar with the pitfalls of comparing yourself to other people’s accomplishments.

By: Stephen Chen, Wellesley College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 18, 2026

Words: 1,388

Last Updated: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

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By Stephen Chen, Wellesley College

Each March, many of the country’s most selective colleges and universities release their admissions decisions, reviving debates over the roles of race, wealth and privilege – and putting Americans’ cultural obsession with rankings back in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, a more personal set of questions will emerge in many homes and schools. Who got into a “better” school, and why? And for those who didn’t, what to do …

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