Why We Should Emphasize Equality: Virtuous Cycles and Vicious Cycles

When we talk about social problems, we often emphasize 'inequality.' Income inequality, educational inequality, inequality of opportunity. These points are undeniably important.

But I propose a different direction.

Why? These two are not simply opposite concepts. They are matters of an entirely different dimension.

When we emphasize inequality, our goal becomes 'reducing the gap to zero.'

But this is mathematically impossible. People's abilities differ, their efforts differ, and luck plays its part. In a capitalist economy, economic gaps inevitably arise.

No matter how hard we try, perfect equality can never be achieved. The goal is lim → 0, but it is never actually reached.

The result is **a permanent sense of failure**.

By contrast, when we emphasize equality, our goal becomes 'respecting every person as a human being.'

This is something we can pursue infinitely. A culture of mutual respect can grow ever deeper, the guarantee of basic rights can expand ever wider, and discrimination can shrink ever further.

The goal is lim → ∞, and we can keep moving forward.

The result is **a gradual sense of accomplishment**.

This difference produces completely different outcomes for society as a whole.

When we emphasize the perception of equality, the individual feels, 'I, too, am a being of worth.' Self-esteem rises, and trust in society takes root.

Self-esteem and trust lead to active participation. People cooperate, contribute, and solve problems together.

As a result, society as a whole advances, and more opportunities are created. And this, in turn, raises the possibility of realizing equality.

As the perception of equality grows even stronger, the virtuous cycle continues.

When we emphasize inequality, the individual feels, 'I am being discriminated against.' A sense of deprivation sets in, and distrust of society grows.

Deprivation and distrust lead to resignation or rage. People give up on taking part, or they inflame the conflict.

As a result, society stagnates or splits apart. Opportunities dwindle, and the gap deepens further.

As the phenomenon of inequality becomes ever more visible, the vicious cycle continues.

The very same situation comes to be taken in completely different ways.

**A person with a strong sense of equality:**

- 'My work has meaning too'

- 'I, too, am contributing to society'

- Happiness ↑

**A person who emphasizes inequality:**

- 'Must be nice for him — born with a silver spoon'

- 'I'll never make it anyway'

- Happiness ↓

Even when people occupy the exact same economic position, their satisfaction with life turns out completely different depending on which side they emphasize.

| | Emphasizing Equality | Emphasizing Inequality |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | 100% perception of equality | 0% gap |
| Attainability | Infinitely pursuable | Absolutely impossible |
| Psychological effect | Hope, a sense of achievement | Frustration, rage |
| Way of measuring | 'How much have we improved?' | 'How much is still left?' |
| Result | Virtuous cycle | Vicious cycle |

Inequality is a **phenomenon**. There is a part of it that can never be fully eliminated.

Equality is a **direction**. We can keep moving toward it without limit.

Emphasize the phenomenon, and society stops. Emphasize the direction, and society moves forward.

I emphasize equality.

We must ceaselessly reinforce the perception that 'every person is equal in and of themselves,' and on that foundation build a better society.

Pointing out inequality is necessary too. But it must not become the goal.

**Only when we emphasize the direction called equality does the virtuous cycle truly begin.**

This is the only way to make individuals happy, to advance society, and to carry civilization forward.

We build AI for everyone.