Can People Be Both Free and Equal?

The concept of equality has long been argued as something that cannot coexist with freedom, yet history and everyday life prove that both can indeed exist simultaneously. Inspired by philosophical insights and personal observations, this article explores the harmonious balance between freedom and equality in modern society.

The Illusion of Equality

Let's start with a crucial observation that equality, in most cases, is less about numerical sameness and more about consent. Equality is an inherent value that should be respected, but it does not mean uniformity. It is often misunderstood as a rigid construct, like one of those elements in the periodic table that exist only under laboratory conditions. Equality thrives when there is mutual consent and agreement. For instance, in a diverse community, everyone agrees on the terms and conditions before any disagreement arises. Only then can equality and freedom coexist in harmony.

Freedom and Consent

Freedom is the right to do what you want, but this right must be limited by consensus. If you have the freedom to do something that adversely affects others, they too have the freedom to determine what you can and cannot do. This principle is fundamental to maintaining a fair and just society. When someone exercises their freedom in a way that causes conflict or distress, the majority has the right to discuss and agree on reasonable boundaries. It's not about eliminating someone's freedom but rather about finding a common ground that everyone can abide by.

Consider the example of a family using a karaoke machine, which could disturb the neighborhood. Initially, the family plays music without considering others' preferences. However, when neighbors request them to lower the volume, the family agrees just to maintain peace and harmony. Both freedom and equality are served here: the family has the right to have fun, but everybody agrees on a solution to minimize the disturbance. When all parties choose to discuss and agree, the freedom to enjoy oneself does not come at the expense of others' tranquility.

The Role of the Majority

The majority often plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. In times of conflict, the majority's ability to come to a consensus is vital. In bad times, we see examples where people of different races and backgrounds come together to survive and eventually flourish. These examples prove that, with effort, people can choose to coexist harmoniously. It is the minority who seeks to eliminate differences and gain power, which often leads to division and conflict.

However, it is important to note that the perceived extremes we see through social media can be misleading. Most people choose to live in peace and coexist, while the harmful actions by a minority are highlighted, giving us a skewed view of reality. Everyday acts of kindness and cooperation go unnoticed, while the negative events are sensationalized, leading us to believe that there is more harm than goodwill in the world.

Limited Laws and Circumstances

Another point to consider is that laws, too, can be flexible. Laws are meant to serve the public good and can often have clauses that account for extraordinary circumstances. For instance, in a neighborhood with diverse cultures, music loudness can be adjusted based on the specific occasion. These flexible laws help ensure that everyone's freedom is respected while maintaining social harmony.

Evil, in its purest form, seeks to undermine these principles. The minority representing evil often fights to impose their will, but they face resistance from the majority. When the minority becomes desperate, they might resort to aggressive actions, leading to chaos. However, this chaos often backfires, as the majority unites to counter such behavior. The majority's power to come together and choose to live in peace is why evil is continually thwarted.

In conclusion, freedom and equality can coexist, but it requires the willingness of everyone to choose peace and harmony over conflict. Social media may present a skewed view, but in reality, most people choose to live together in peace. It is the duty of everyone to study and understand these principles to ensure a better, more harmonious society.

By embracing both freedom and equality, we can create a world where everyone's rights are respected, and everyone can live with peace and dignity.