EQUALITY QUOTES II

quotations about equality

It is not true that equality is a law of nature. Nature has made nothing equal; her sovereign law is subordination and dependence.

LUC DE CLAPIERS

Réflexions et Maximes


Equality is the life of conversation; and he is as much out who assumes to himself any part above another, as he who considers himself below the rest of the society.

RICHARD STEELE

The Tatler, No. 225


The first great political truth to be impressed on the minds of our youth is, that they are born free, and that no acts of legislation should deprive them of perfect equality in rights. This principle will constantly stimulate those of humble birth to compete with with favorites of fortune, and teach them that without personal merit, no one can have just claims to honorable distinction.

ISAAC S. SMITH

letter, Sep. 29, 1836


We know that the doctrine of equality leads by steps not only logical, but almost mechanical, to sacrifice the principle of liberty to the principle of quantity; that, being unable to abdicate responsibility and power, it attacks genuine representation, and, as there is no limit where there is no control, invades, sooner or later, both property and religion.

LORD ACTON

letter to Mary Gladstone, December 14, 1880


Equality is the share of every one at their advent upon earth, and equality is also theirs, when placed beneath it.

NINON DE L'ENCLOS

attributed, Day's Collacon


So far is it from being true that men are naturally equal, that no two people can be half an hour together, but one shall acquire an evident superiority over the other.

SAMUEL JOHNSON

The Table Talk of Dr. Johnson


Equality is one of the most consummate scoundrels that ever crept from the brain of a political juggler; a fellow who thrusts his hand into the pocket of honest industry or enterprising talent, and squanders their hard-earned profits on profligate idleness or indolent stupidity.

L. LANGSTAFF

attributed, Day's Collacon


All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

UNITED NATIONS

United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1


Never, till woman stands side by side with man, his equal in the eye of the law as well as the Creator, will the high destiny of the race be accomplished.

C. L. SHOLES

The Liberator, May 1856


That all men are equal is a proposition which at ordinary times no sane individual has ever given his assent.

ALDOUS HUXLEY

Proper Studies


Among unequals what society
Can sort, what harmony, or true delight?

JOHN MILTON

Paradise Lost


Being useful to others is not the same thing as being equal.

N.K. JEMISIN

The Obelisk Gate


All men are by nature equal, all made of the same earth by one Workman; and however we may deceive ourselves, as dear unto God is the poor peasant as the mighty prince.

PLATO

attributed, Day's Collacon


I have no respect for the passion of equality, which seems to me merely idealizing envy.

OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES

Holmes-Laski Letters


All men are born equal, but some of them outgrow it.

EVAN ESAR

20,000 Quips & Quotes


If all things were equally in all men, nothing would be prized.

THOMAS HOBBES

Leviathan


Equality begins in the grave.

AMERICAN PROVERB


God made you and me, in certain respects, quite unequal, and it would be futile to try any interference with His arrangements.

REX STOUT

The League of Frightened Men


Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.... The subjection of individuals will increase amongst democratic nations, not only in the same proportion as their equality, but in the same proportion as their ignorance.

ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE

Democracy in America


I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.

MAHATMA GANDHI

attributed, The Photographer's Vision