Human civilisation relies on certain principles and conventions that are held to be the foundations of a just society. It is widely believed that in the absence of these ideals, humans shall fall prey to their chaotic, brute nature. The two most significant of these ideals are: Equality and Justice.
Human desire for power and control
It is undeniable that humans intrinsically crave power – over their own destinies as well as the lives and choices of others. This is where hypocrisy comes into play, for beneath the noble rhetoric of Equality and Justice lies raw self-interest, whether in an individual way or for the ingroup.
The façade of Equality
One may consider the French Revolution as a classic example of this hypocrisy. The quest for “liberté, égalité, fraternité” devolved into dictatorship and guillotines for rivals, rather than universal well-being. Contemporary examples of this hypocrisy have become ubiquitous. What began as the demand for ‘equality of opportunity’ has ended up as irrational demands such as ‘equality of outcome’ and ‘proportionate representation irrespective of merit’. On the flip side, the opponents of such ideologies have their own biases and prejudices. Their notion of equality also revolves around their own self-interest.
The illusion of Justice
While the notion of justice appears to be rooted in neutrality and impartiality, it’s often no more than a rationalised justification of retaliation and ‘payback’. Both sides in a conflict claim to seek justice and restore order; their notions of ‘justice’ being opposed. Grave sins of their own folk appear nominal, while minor flaws in the opponent camp are magnified to dehumanise them.
The veil of Morality
In the words of Nietzsche: “Moralität ist Herden-Instinkt im Einzelnen” (Morality is herd-instinct in the individual). Humans are innately hierarchical; to command a strong position in the hierarchy is always the real purpose behind all demands about equality, equity and justice. The theoretical equality people often inanely glamorise is inherently against hierarchies. However, those who condemn existing hierarchies seek to create new ones that benefit them.
Dealing with the Noble Façade of Equality and Justice
What ought one do then? Must one pick the most beneficial side as per his self-interest and profess unconditional loyalty to it? Should each man go his own way, deviating from the established norms? Is it prudent to create a new ‘way’ and persuade others to follow it? Such questions are better left to individual judgment. There’s no optimal solution that suits everyone. Adequate awareness and rational choice while taking action are most crucial.