On the Equality of People

It is dangerous to confuse society's beliefs with one's own. The opinions a society should hold in its official capacity should sometimes be, as in the case of the Equality of People, contrary to the the individual's.

Society should believe that everyone is equal. But to do so disregards individuality. Even "different but equal" puts everyone in the same category. Individuals should not do this. To consider everyone equal is to assign some value to them -- but that it is all. It is as if saying everyone is worth 1,000,000. It is meaningless, except to know that everyone is greater than nothing. We could be large when compared to 10, or small when compared to one trillion. If a person considers everyone equal, he does not distinguish himself. By adopting society's opinions he sacrifices his own, and diminishes his individuality.

To be a strong individual, to hold unique opinions, one must be unfair and unjust from the perspective of society. To admire someone, or to consider someone a friend, is meaningless, unless you value that person more than average. You must be able to compare that person to others and say, "I value him more; he is more important" -- exactly what society must not say. To society, all people are equal; but can you tell that to the woman you love?

One must believe that some people are worth more than others. This is not to pass judgment on their inherent value, but their value to oneself. Which is more important? I like to think they're not equal, that my opinion matters more.