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About this quote

What does it mean?
Huxley argues that the idea of all people being naturally free and equal is a myth without factual basis.
In plain terms
The claim that everyone is born free and equal is not true.
What can you take from it?
Assume equality is a social construct, not a natural fact.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • historical analysis
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • scrutinize claims of natural rights
  • analyze social structures

Questions to consider

  • What evidence supports natural equality?
  • Is equality a goal or a starting point?

Another view

This view contradicts modern human rights frameworks and ethical ideals.

More from Thomas Henry Huxley

  1. 'The Lord hath delivered him into my hands', rose from his seat, gave a thorough defense of Darwin's theories, and at the end concluded: 'I would rather be the…

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  2. God give me strength to face a fact though it slay me.

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  3. 'If the question is put to me would I rather have a miserable ape for a grandfather or a man highly endowed by nature and possessed of great means of influence…

    Permalink to quote #62

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