"Equality" is hard to define. It means different things to different people. Because it can be defined in many ways because of subjectivity, to arrive at a meaning with universal acceptance, it must be stripped down to a point where subjectivity is eliminated.
We have heard, "Equal before the law", but is that enough? "Equal in the eyes of God". A little better but not good enough for Godless people. When stripped of all the accidental and incidental things which make us individuals, we come down to "the maximum opportunities for our abilities". This definition recognizes that outcomes could never be equal but that maximum potential should always be the goal.
Obviously, there are conditions which prohibit some from achieving their maximum potential. Their opportunities are limited by physical, mental and social limitations. Some, make that many, are not interested in reaching that goal. The old saying that "everyone is exactly where they want to be, otherwise they'd get out", describes the inertia of contentment or a willingness to endure the status quo. These should not be an anchor for those who want more.
Equality, then, is best served if people are left alone to their own devices and desires. Whether or not they accept or reject opportunities is up to them. Those who need or want help should get it but those who seize opportunities should be neither vilified nor exploited.
"Equality" is the right and freedom to be yourself.
We have heard, "Equal before the law", but is that enough? "Equal in the eyes of God". A little better but not good enough for Godless people. When stripped of all the accidental and incidental things which make us individuals, we come down to "the maximum opportunities for our abilities". This definition recognizes that outcomes could never be equal but that maximum potential should always be the goal.
Obviously, there are conditions which prohibit some from achieving their maximum potential. Their opportunities are limited by physical, mental and social limitations. Some, make that many, are not interested in reaching that goal. The old saying that "everyone is exactly where they want to be, otherwise they'd get out", describes the inertia of contentment or a willingness to endure the status quo. These should not be an anchor for those who want more.
Equality, then, is best served if people are left alone to their own devices and desires. Whether or not they accept or reject opportunities is up to them. Those who need or want help should get it but those who seize opportunities should be neither vilified nor exploited.
"Equality" is the right and freedom to be yourself.
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