Answer:
The scientific concept or theory underlying this statement is that of meritocracy. Meritocracy is the belief that power and authority should be allocated based on education, talent, and ability, rather than on birth or social standing.
In the case of China under the Tang Dynasty, this merit-based approach extended to the practices of selecting civil servants as well as military leaders. During this era, candidates for both positions underwent rigorous examinations to demonstrate that they had the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise. Those who demonstrated the highest level of education and ability were accorded more status and power.
This merit-based approach is still used in many situations today, including for university admissions, job hiring and promotions, and sports competitions. By examining a person's skills, qualifications, and abilities, meritocracies strive to select the most talented and capable individuals for positions, regardless of their social status or background.
In conclusion, while this philosophy of allocating power based on merit rather than birth may have been popular under the Tang Dynasty in China, it is still very much in practice today in various settings and is seen by many as a fair, unbiased approach to selecting the best candidate for any given role.