Born Equal

Ok, so no-one is claiming that we are born with equal opportunities or advantages as you rightly point out. Neither are we born with equal capacities, genetic variation gives some superior abilities. But we are all born of equal value. A person's value is not determined by their position of birth, by their capacities or acquisitions. All are of equal value. all the best urban

Its true, that as newborns, we seem equal, but genetics play a part in making some of us bigger, stronger, better looking or smarter then others. It is unfortunate that some newborns are thrust into a life of poverty or despair, while some like Prince William are born into a life of royalty. I guess if you took environment and genetics into account, we are similar, but not equal.

I don't think that social status and privilege make any difference to the value of a life. We're all people, and all different. What and who we choose to be as people has nothing to do with predestiny or fate. That's where equality comes in. We all have choices, and choose how to react to the different situations we encounter. This, combined with our outlook on the world around us, is what defines us as individuals. What some gain with hereditary wealth and fame, they lose in terms of public scrutiny, and those who envy them wish to take it away from them. Happiness, and being a good person (which is what I think is important in life) does not depend on possessions or social position. Richness and a life well-lived depends on what's inside a person, and how they live their lives, not on what others think of them, or how much more than everyone else they have. In that respect, we all have an equal opportunity from the day we're born.

I agree people aren't born equally, as being born in a family with money can mean a better education and an easier life. This doesn't mean they will be more successful just have more doors opened for them without having to work as hard in many cases. A perfect example is the Trump children just give their name and we know businesses are more likely to say yes to help them and know down the line that business will be able to come back to the Trumps to get help. Another example is show business where we see children going to costly schools, have nice cars, and every possible advantage. Many of their parents just write out a check and the child gets into a school with lower grades than somebody from a lower income. Hollywood parents just throws money at the problem to get their children out of many tickets and other situations. There isn't any question we all are not born equally, but we can be successful, if we don't let our family income decide our future.

If you believe in Jesus then his teachings will tell you that we are all equal, so it depends on your definitions really and who's values you take. As you have pointed out, no we are not all born with the same opportunities in life, some are born distinctive and will hold special and powerful roles simply due to the parents they were born to. Others will gain success through certain skills they have either from genetically transmitted talents or through practice and determination. Though in our ever changing world there are increasingly more opportunities to all that don't necessarily rely on inherent skills or positions we are born into and it depends more on what we try to do with our lives. I think it also depends on what you consider to be equal, higher social status doesn't make you better, at least not in my eyes, its the values you hold and the effort you make.

I think everyone is just simply equal. The rich, the poor. The white, the black. The tall, the short. Do you get where I'm going with this? What makes Prince William different from the rest of us? In the end he is still a person. The same for any other person that might be considered a 'higher' person that most. We're all just people, and in the end I think that makes us all equal.

The statement that all men are born equal is the biggest lie fed to us humans since the day we are born. I guess the reason it is said is so that no one feels inferior or suerior to other people. But the fact is that we are not born equal at all. Some are born rich, some poor, some with an IQ of 160+, some barely 60. Try as hard as one might, not everyone can be an Einstein or even a Carl Lewis. But try one must!

everyone is born equal. if not then they should find every right to be equal in society. they should be treated equally.

I understand what you are saying. As far as what part of the social and economical ladder we are on, no we are not all equal. However, we are ALL equally valuable as human beings, and we all deserve to have equal rights and opportunities. Unfortunately, the world is often a very unfair place, so it gives the appearance of unequality, even though we really are all equal.

I disagree. Some are born with the "Silver spoon" in their mouths. Some are, as you say, born to royalty, some have disabilities the only thing I can think of is that everyone is born naked.

we are not always born equal, but we can have dreams that we are equal. sure. I hope nobody gets shot but, I do want to dream we are all equal.

From the religious and physique point of view we are all born equally. But from a human point of view there are no equal persons born. Actually being born in a good familly is jsut a lucky guess since you cant (probably) determine in what background you will be born :) I feel the same that we are not born equa; but i think also that this is not the point to say that someone is worse then we are cause he was born in other background or less rich familly then we did :)

I totally agree. Children born in a third world country, do not have the same oppurtunities that a prince will have being born.

I think we are all born equal in a way. I don't think I'm better than anyone or anyone is better than me. But some people are born into a way of life before they can choose what type of life they would want. What you're saying makes sense. But having money or power doesn't make anyone better than anyone because in the end all that won't matter.

i agree,bill gates for example or george bush

I cannot think of any way we could truly say we are all born equal. We are all born with life, but the life with which we are born is not always equal. I had five very strong, healthy boys, but many are born with weaknesses and disabilities. Not all are equal. As has already been stated, we are born into different situations: rich or poor or poverty-stricken; educated or illiterate families; academic or labourer families; health-conscious or health-ignorant families: and the list could go on forever. We cannot even say we are born with the capacity to overcome any hindrance received through birth. As babies we learn and develop by example. That example is usually through parents and family and the environment in which we live. Not all babies will be encouraged to develop the traits which will help them rise above their surrounds. We are therefore born with different opportunities. It is very difficult, though not impossible, for those born into illiterate, poor families, to achieve academic brilliance. A child born autistic has much less opportunity. Yes, difficulties can be overcome, but that is about what we make of life; not what we have at birth. Apart from life itself having a definite value, and one life is not valued above another, regardless of the perceived quality of that life, we are NOT born equal. Having said that, I must add I believe it is possible for someone born at "the bottom end of the scale" (for want of better words) to strive and attain a place alongside those who were born at "the upper end of the scale".

I agree to some extent. We are all born in different families, some rich, some poor, some black, white etc. WE are all born in differnt communities, cities, states and countries and therefore we all have very different opportunities. But, I also think that even if you are poor, you do have a chance to make something much better for yourself. It will take YOU alot longer to earn a million dollars than Prince William, but you will problably be a much better person for it. But, I don't neccesarily believe that we are all predstined to a certain fate. I believe we can change our course in life (with the help and grace of God). As I did. I was born into a very poor family and was abused as a child in many ways. But am happily married, upper middle class and have 2 wonderful boys. I am extremley happy, although had you seen me as a child, you would not have thought I'd make it. My whole family made it, and we're all happy and healthy. But, that's the only part I disagree with. (:

You're right. The more that I think about it, the more that the idea of us being born equal is just not possible. Some of us are born into poverty. Some are born into wealth. Some are born in luxurious conditions, some are born onto the streets. I don't think, in essence, however, that that is what the saying born equal means. I think that it means that we all start out the same, with an equal chance to learn about the world and to become whatever it is that we wish to be. But still, it is hard to fully agree with that idea when you stop to consider all of the possibilites.

I disagree bout that we re born equal...At any stance of this world every one cant be equal at all kind of things let see bout economy..if we imagine the income of every one in world is equal...The spending attitude may vary few may spend lavish few may save more ...So things wont come equal...Equality cant be shown in any case ...Only our creator has to answer that.....

yes we are born equal i agree to this . but there are your family name for which you are respectable, else every one eat same food which poor eat .