Very thoughtful and carefully argued, as ever. There are those who (though it is inexplicable to me) seem committed to the idea of equality of outcome, which strikes me in most cases as not only unachievable but undesirable. I am very much in favour of equality of opportunity, in the sense that society should not put artificial barriers in people’s way as they seek to make the best of their talents and inclinations. But that same society will always, surely, be unequal: we will not all be millionaires, though I suppose the logical, grinding conclusion of the far-left is that we could all be equally poor and constrained. But a free society will necessarily never be equal.
My only complaint about this otherwise excellent essay is that you neglected to give readers the Num and the Brothel joke. Come on Tom, inquiring minds need to know! Jokes aside, I'm very glad to be the age I am. I would have a very difficult time passing any interview in an academic setting in the West these days. I carry the ultimate original sin - I'm a white male.
Very thoughtful and carefully argued, as ever. There are those who (though it is inexplicable to me) seem committed to the idea of equality of outcome, which strikes me in most cases as not only unachievable but undesirable. I am very much in favour of equality of opportunity, in the sense that society should not put artificial barriers in people’s way as they seek to make the best of their talents and inclinations. But that same society will always, surely, be unequal: we will not all be millionaires, though I suppose the logical, grinding conclusion of the far-left is that we could all be equally poor and constrained. But a free society will necessarily never be equal.
My only complaint about this otherwise excellent essay is that you neglected to give readers the Num and the Brothel joke. Come on Tom, inquiring minds need to know! Jokes aside, I'm very glad to be the age I am. I would have a very difficult time passing any interview in an academic setting in the West these days. I carry the ultimate original sin - I'm a white male.