Equality in Practice I : Through Exposing Greed
In common ways of realizing equality, there are two approaches: “gain equal” and “become equal.”
“Gain equal” means giving an equal amount of something, basically applying an offset to the distribution. It may look equal, but it does not truly solve the fundamental problem of inequality, because it only adjusts outcomes without addressing the underlying gap between people.
Filling the gap and “becoming equal” is a better approach in principle. However, it is difficult to define the standard for that gap. People above the standard may complain that their property is being taken for others, and may even see themselves as victims. Although the standard is hard to define, there is still a way to reduce this tension: encourage generosity and reduce greed in society through education, and by exposing the consequences of greed and excessive self-interest.
One direct impact in society is labeling. People tend to label others quickly. If someone is found to be greedy, they will be called a “greedy person.” At the same time, many people try to appear generous, because they reject being seen as greedy while still wanting to gain more, and because they also dislike other “greedy people” to touch thier things. This creates a tension between self-image and actual behavior.
Together with this, there is also a tendency to avoid openly acknowledging what "greedy people" truly want. I believe that clearer exposure of underlying intentions can sometimes discourage greed, because it reduces the space for disguise and forces consistency between actions and claims. In general, people driven by strong self-interest are often guided by what they desire in the moment, and when there is a persistent gap between what they claim and what they pursue, their underlying intentions gradually become more visible.
If people refuse to change, one effective way is to place people with strong self-interest in a closed environment with limited resources. In such a situation, competition over resources becomes more direct, and the consequences of self-interested behavior become more visible. Eventually, they will tend to exhaust those resources by themselves, then perhaps soften their hearts and learn the lesson.
It seems impossible to place people like this, but God can do impossible things, and He listens to prayers.
"For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! "