Discussion: All Men Are Created Equal

[Thundercrack85]

I notice this phrase comes up a lot in political discourse. Now, it seems like noble sentiment - as long as you don't remember who came up with it, and realize the irony.

The expression can be taken several ways, but all of them are problematic. Most obviously people aren't born equal. Not financially, physically or mentally. It's a nice idea, but it's just an idea.

Is perpetuating this notion of inherent equality, where there really isn't any, more harmful than good?

Or is this just a lie we keep telling ourselves in hopes that it one day becomes a reality?

 

[hopefuldreamer]

I think the phrase is more about us all having the same rights.

Not neccesarilly that we all have equal physicality, finance or mentality. But that despite our mentality, finance or physicality, we all deserve to be treated fairly and with equal respect, all under the same rules.

Which is more than just an idea. It's the foundation of our laws and human rights.

 

[Schlosser85]

There are people I certainly don't consider equal to myself, and it has nothing to do with money, or race, or religion, or any of those silly petty things people consider themselves superior with.

It's a matter of stupidity and ignorance. People who wear their ignorance like a badge of honor are definitely not my equal in my eyes.

That said, everyone is entitled to being treated according to the same laws as everyone else.

I would never try to take away someone's right to be a moron, I'll just sit over here silently judging you.

 

[dnno1]

At the moment of birth all men are created equal. You are not born wealthy. That has to be given to you. You are not born physically strong. That has to be developed over time. Even our mental states are basally on a par since we know nothing at all.

 

[hopefuldreamer]

At the moment of birth all men are created equal. You are not born wealthy. That has to be given to you. You are not born physically strong. That has to be developed over time. Even our mental states are basally on a par since we know nothing at all.

Well no, you can be born with physical and mental disabilities that put you at a severe disadvantage. So I understand the OP's point.

But like I said, I think the full meaning of the phrase is 'All men should be born with equal human rights.'

I add the should in, because clearly in some countries, some men are born without the same human rights.

 

[Anubis]

I always liked the phrase, "God created Man, but Samuel Colt made em equal."

 

[dnno1]

Well no, you can be born with physical and mental disabilities that put you at a severe disadvantage. So I understand the OP's point.

But like I said, I think the full meaning of the phrase is 'All men should be born with equal human rights.'

I add the should in, because clearly in some countries, some men are born without the same human rights.

True, but that will only be seen later on in life. At the moment of birth you do not know any better and that is the case with all new born children. Furthermore, the mental disability is a relative concept since there might be a reason why that person was born that way (an adaptation of purpose we are not aware of ). That doesn't mean they are not equal. That is just a perception.

 

[Destructus86]

I think the phrase is more about us all having the same rights.

Not neccesarilly that we all have equal physicality, finance or mentality. But that despite our mentality, finance or physicality, we all deserve to be treated fairly and with equal respect, all under the same rules.

Which is more than just an idea. It's the foundation of our laws and human rights.

I think in terms of being treated fairly...I think we have failed in that regard. Instead of building places of learning and growth development in hood, we give them wellfare checks. But if it was a nice suburb, we would be building tons of places for kids to play and learn.

 

[Feenix]

Men (and women) weren't created. They evolved. And no, they didn't evolve equally. Anyone who thinks that things can happen for them only if they work hard enough are delusional. Read "Outliers." That book will open your eyes to the realities of "success" and being "successful."

 

[blake c]

Everyone is equal in terms of each being unique to the world. No one person is the same as the other making them equal.

 

[Schlosser85]

^ That's not the same as being equal.

 

[blake c]

^ That's not the same as being equal.

Think of it as perspective. Often some of the smartest people will have problems figuring out something simple, but get someone in with a lower I.Q. and they have a different view of it and can figure it out quickly.

 

[blake c]

Everyone has their unique abilities that they have to offer to the world and their unique thought process.

 

[blake c]

Being different is being created equal so that everyone want suffer the same down fall of others.