On Equality

     Throughout life, we encounter countless inequalities. Inequality is so commonplace, yet true equality is so hard-won. Despite the efforts of different eras and individuals to pursue equality, inequality still exists in reality.

    Long ago, I naively believed that everyone was born equal. So I began to struggle, searching among people, in society, and among different classes. One day, I realized that everyone seems to be unequal from the moment of birth. Physical appearance is determined by genetic material, resulting from the selective expression of genes, thus creating differences at birth. People's environments differ, both family and social, significantly influencing their development. Living in different families, in different environments, and learning from different people—can your status and value be equal?
    ​​Yet, within this seemingly harmonious social context, five social classes exist: upper class, upper-middle class, middle-middle class, lower-middle class, and lower class. Do you really believe that each class is equal? Consider the emperors and royalty of ancient times, born in opulent royal gardens. Their status and power seemed predetermined; they were born to be revered, honored as princes, princesses, and marquises, enjoying illustrious lives and a life of luxury. They tasted delicacies, beheld beautiful women, and were worshipped. But were they truly equal to the common people?
    Ancient systems were extremely strict. Although it was said that "the virtuous are subject to the same laws as the commoners," did this truly exist? In many instances, under such highly centralized imperial power, equality seemed nonexistent, or at least rarely present. If it truly existed, why were there so many unjust cases, so many palace assassins, and so much court intrigue throughout history?
    In contemporary society, equality also seems to be rare. Every winter, especially before the Lunar New Year, websites, Weibo, and blogs are flooded with posts spreading positive energy, highlighting those who toil on the front lines 365 days a year, doing the dirtiest and hardest work, eating the hardest bread, and living in the worst shelters, yet receiving the lowest wages. Is this fair and equal to them?
    Inequality in distribution of wealth across different social classes, backdoor deals, connections, bribery, and unfair treatment—various forms of discrimination—make us angry. These inequalities erode trust between people. Is this fair to us?
    A society where everyone is equal cannot develop. Therefore, our ever-evolving human civilization is destined to be unequal. If society were equal, relationships between people would be impossible to harmonize, hindering efficient production.
    Of course, through our own actions, we can change our situation. This applies to any society, even extraterrestrial civilizations, because it is a law of physics governing all things in the universe.
    Therefore, never pursue so-called equality or fairness. Equality only applies to those with sufficient ability; they dominate the world. The ability to acquire social resources and shape one's future lies entirely within oneself. Humans are born unequal. Perhaps I must dedicate my life to breaking free from life's shackles, perhaps I must strive with all my might to make inequality more equal for me. In this regard, do not complain about reality or society, because complaining is useless. Never judge the future based on the present; believe that one day you too can live a more "equal" life.
    Not long ago, I was reading Mr. Shen's *Life in the Mountains*. Through the yellowed, wrinkled pages, various inequalities seemed to emerge between the lines, though the author did not explicitly state them, they were already implicitly present. Perhaps, feeling injustice is the greatest growth; go and experience it! When one day you find peace restored in your heart, perhaps you have matured, and equality will be closer to you.

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