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About this quote

What does it mean?
Equality slogans often stem from envy and desire to prevent others from rising.
In plain terms
Talk of equality can hide jealousy and want to keep others down.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of equality claims driven by envy.

Where it applies

  • political critique
  • psychological analysis
  • social commentary

Putting it to work

  • leadership awareness
  • public discourse
  • organizational culture

Questions to consider

  • What motivates calls for equality?
  • Is envy the only driver of egalitarianism?

Another view

Equality movements can also address genuine injustice.

More from Alexis de Tocqueville

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  3. Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere …

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