Equality is all the rage. Yet, it is far from clear what we actually want. This is because there is multitude of ways in which we can have equality. At one extreme, we can have eviscerated equality: that is, equality shorn of any and all forms of excellence. At the other extreme, we can have ennobling equality, namely equality that embraces moral and intellectual excellences. Our naiveté consists in thinking that we have all that we need just so long as we have equality. Surely not. Equality in Dante’s inferno does not turn hell into paradise.
So it is not enough that we are all equal. We must, of necessity, address the ways in which we all want to be equal. In this regard, it would seem that modern democracies have not done a very good job; and for precisely this reason, they are losing their power to inspire
Cesspool equality seems to be the order of the day in democracies across the world. Stupidity, impoliteness, thoughtlessness, crass indifferences along with inexcusable and absolutely flagrant self-indulgence are all constitutive of what I call cesspool equality. This horrendous collective precludes any semblance of either honesty or responsibility or integrity.
Notice the wording here: “any semblance of either honesty or responsibility or integrity”. By this wording, I am drawing attention to the fact that we are the point in society where we are no longer even concerned to appear to have these traits of character. Indeed, they almost seem to be liabilities rather than assets.
Once upon a time, no one wanted even to give the impression of being someone lacking in integrity, honesty, and responsibility. And so by the time people actually went through the motions in order to look the part in actuality, there was in fact something substantive on to which people could latch. Not any more.
We can have a society most of whose citizens are morally bereft. There will be no gainsaying the equality between us in that regard. Yet, we will not have an equality that is worth fighting for, let alone worth dying for. Indeed, we will barely have an equality that is worth living for. For in a world, shorn of honesty, integrity, and a sense of responsibility, we will have a state of affairs in society that calls to mind Hobbes’s State of Nature. There is nothing that would recommend being born in it.
If I have got it right, a most dramatic feature about cesspool equality is that it flounders when it comes to underwriting a reason for living. Indeed, cesspool equality eviscerates the distinction between human beings and (non-human) animals. Thus, whereas the term “jungle” in reference to human beings was none other than a metaphor, there is increasingly an inescapable resonance of truth to it nowadays days. But then what would one expect in societies that no longer embrace integrity, honesty, and responsibility. Drive these out from the fabric of our humanity, and what really is left to distinguish us, in a profound way, from the animals of the jungle? The answer can be given in two words: Not much.
When, on the other hand, we look at the moral excellences of ennobling equality, we see that it is the gift that keeps on giving; and it is a most precious gift that human beings can give to themselves. Ennobling equality animates a reason for living and underwrites the conviction that excellences are worth making sacrifices for. That is why it gives rise to heroes and the virtue of courage.
Ennobling equality inspires without occasioning self-indulgence. It provides tranquility without numbing our moral sensibilities. It affirms without depleting our strength. To the weary, ennobling equality brings peace and comfort.
Ennobling equality was the flame that occasioned the Civil Rights Movement, making it possible for blacks of yesteryear to do far more with far less than blacks today do with vastly more resources and far more equality. There could not be a Civil Rights Movement today. Who make the sacrifices? Who would put their lives on the line? Who would have the courage? Thank God that movement came along when it did.
I have discussed the moral realm. But it is clear that we can make the same point regarding the differences between cesspool equality and ennobling equality in the intellectual realm. With cesspool intellectual excellence, people barely know how to say what they mean, much less to say it well. It most certainly is arguable that with cesspool intellectual excellence, self-knowledge takes a nosedive. People barely know who they are because they lack the linguistic skills to express themselves with any precision.
With cesspool intellectual equality we are like the walking dead—zombies, if you will. We know that we are somebody, but we cannot give articulation to our personhood.
With ennobling intellectual excellence, on the other hand, the depth of our souls is adorned with felicitous expressions and turns of phrase. The firmament of our thought and imagination is ablaze with the fiery creativity that is occasioned by souls seeking ever richer ways to give expression and articulation to the reality of the experiences.
With ennobling intellectual equality, we can give articulation—nay, we can even give definition to—what constitutes our destiny.
Modern democracies have a choice to make. For there is still enough left of the equality that we now embrace that is wonderful and marvelous whereby we can choose well. But this will not always be so—especially if, in the name, of equality we ignore the reality that not everything that rightly goes by the name of equality is choice worthy.
Equality is a genre of which there can be many, many quite different and radically incompatible instantiations. A society whose members lose sight of this truth is one that ensures a downward spiral of humanity.
