Friedrich August von HayekFriedrich August von Hayek, (1899-1992), Nobel Laureate of Economic Sciences 1974

Friedrich August von Hayek Quote

“From the fact that people are very different it follows that, if we treat them equally, the result must be inequality in their actual position, and that the only way to place them in an equal position would be to treat them differently. Equality before the law and material equality are therefore not only different but are in conflict with each other; and we can achieve either one or the other, but not both at the same time.”

Friedrich August von HayekFriedrich August von Hayek
~ Friedrich August von Hayek

The Constitution Of Liberty

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

Equality before the law and material equality are extremely different. Equality before the law is a natural law concept that when given precedent in an administration of legal jurisprudence can attain a high level of justice and recognition of human nobility. Material equality is an anti-lawful concept that does not take in to account humanity's foibles, needs, desires, learning process, liberty, inalienable rights, etc. and is an impossibility to attain. Even most religious references to communal sharing recognize absolute individual characteristics.

Mike, Norwalk

Equality before the law and material equality are extremely different. Equality before the law is a natural law concept that when given precedent in an administration of legal jurisprudence can attain a high level of justice and recognition of human nobility. Material equality is an anti-lawful concept that does not take in to account humanity's foibles, needs, desires, learning process, liberty, inalienable rights, etc. and is an impossibility to attain. Even most religious references to communal sharing recognize absolute individual characteristics.

E Archer, NYC

Right on. Well said.

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