The demand for equality must rest upon a definition of the essence of the things declared equal, and this definition must reflect objective reality.

On Unequal and Unjust Demands for Equality

by Anthony Esolen

Aristotle, that common sense fellow, defined justice as giving to each his due. That definition admits of equality in inequality, in obvious ways. 

The indulgence we allow a child we deny to a grown man; the familiarity with which we treat the paperboy might offend the elderly woman in church.  

Each person is equally deserving of his due; and that will differ according to persons and circumstances.

But our contemporaries are held in fascination by a word, “equality,” as a little bird with the brain of a chickpea flutters helplessly before the cobra. 

We do not distinguish between equality and justice, nor do we see that enforcing equality in one respect may imply massive inequality in another.

..........

Read more: www.crisismagazine.com