Are We Really Equal?
Many exclusive ideologies have come to power — democratically or dictatorially — by complaining about inequality, or rather, the lack of equality. Society is easily deceived by this promise because we feel we are all "equal" in the eyes of nature. The reasoning sounds awesome and feels too noble to challenge. Until reality hits hard.
If you treat everyone equally when they are unequal in many ways, you end up doing a grave injustice to their unique persona.
Let one thing stand clear before anything else: every single life is precious, and in that sanctity all are absolutely equal. What differs is everything else — needs, abilities, deeds, and circumstances.
The Fallacy of Equal Treatment
Consider two hungry guests, Guest A and Guest B. Will you enforce the exact same quantity of food for both in the name of "equality"? Or will you feed them appropriately based on their actual hunger? Guest A might need more food to be satisfied, while Guest B needs less. Enforcing the same portion is not equality; it is a lack of sense and care.
The same truth applies to task assignments, rewards, recognitions, and social value. Everything depends on deeds, attributes, and performance. In any organization, people work at different levels based on these individual attributes.
Treating people appropriately is the right and sensible thing to do. Treating them equally is an illusion. Equality is a sham because no two persons are equal in all aspects — not even twins.
A teacher does not give equal marks to all students. Marks are given based on their actual performance in the examination. Life operates on the same sensible principle.
How Societies Shape Their Values
Every individual is valued based on the collective values of their society.
In a majorly corrupt society, people admire and value money, material possessions, and power acquired by exclusive means — inflicting fear and greed, which are the primary tools of corruption.
Conversely, in a majorly wise and sensible society, people admire honesty, sincerity, ethics, and inclusive leadership. This collective admiration is what ultimately shapes the direction and character of that society.
The Necessity of Layers
No organization or society can survive without different layers of workforce operating at different levels and valued differently. Irrespective of political or economic ideologies, this structural balance is essential.
A thriving society requires these distinct layers:
- The topmost intellectuals who decide the course of direction with wisdom.
- The defense forces who secure the environment.
- The financial and economic players — entrepreneurs, traders, and businessmen — who maintain the pulse and flow of essentials.
- The labor and logistical workforce, without whom daily life cannot run at all.
Every single layer has its own unique, indispensable importance. None are equal.
Furthermore, individuals within the same layer are not equal either. No twins are equal. No two lives are equal in any physical or intellectual aspect.
But every single life is precious. In that aspect, there is absolute sanctity and value.
Equality is not the key. Appropriateness is.
Next time you are tasking, rewarding, or evaluating others — whether it is children, colleagues, or friends — do not aim for a lazy, uniform distribution of resources or marks. Instead, take a moment of conscious, watchful observation to assess their unique needs, efforts, and performance. Approach them with curiosity rather than assumption. Practice appropriateness by giving each person what is right, apt, and balanced for their specific situation. That is how true justice is served.