Does Equality Mean Equal in all Respects?
I think the authors of that notable instrument intended to include all men, but they did not intend to declare all men equal in all respects. They did not mean to say all were equal in color, size, intellect, moral developments, or social capacity. They defined with tolerable distinctness, in what respects they did consider all men created equal-equal in “certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This they said, and this meant. Abraham Lincoln, Speech on the Dred Scott Decision, June 26, 1857 In one meaning of the term “equality,” the statement “all men are created equal” is obviously silly. We simply are not equal, or even very much alike. Joe is short and Harry tall. Jane is blonde and Brenda red-haired. Janet does her math with ease; Jeff struggles. We are obviously not “equal,” if equal means that we look alike, talk the same, run as fast, have as much money, or think as quickly as each other. Everyone knows this without being told. T
