To identify pairs and form a logical sequence, we should look for clues. Sentence 4 mentions "...that in turn should increase our humility..." In sentence 1, we find "...the easier it becomes to understand that our failures...are out of control," and this, in turn, should increase our humility. Thus, sentences 1 and 4 form a pair.
Sentence 2 starts with "but" and talks about "recent books about the limits of merit," making it unsuitable as an opening sentence. Sentences 3 and 2 form a pair, with 3 as the opening sentence discussing "meritocracy as an organizing principle," followed by 2 mentioning "...about the limits of merit." Thus, the logical sequence is 3214. This parajumble question is straightforward.