Book Summary
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From the point of view of morality, it is not important that everyone should have the same. What is morally important is that each should have enough.
On Inequality
One of the most controversial problems of our day is economic inequality. Few would dispute, however, that inequality is a more serious problem than poverty. The poor suffer because they lack sufficient resources, not because others possess more, and some possess much too much. So, why do many people seem to be more concerned about the wealthy than the poor?
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of On Bullshit responds to those who claim that the objective of social justice should be economic equality or reduced inequality in this thought-provoking book. One of the world's most important moral philosophers, Harry Frankfurt, claims that we have a moral obligation to eradicate poverty, not to attain equality or diminish inequality. Our main focus should be on ensuring that everyone has enough to live a good life. Instead, focusing on inequity is both distracting and alienating.
Frankfurt, on the other hand, claims that the juxtaposition of immense riches and poverty is insulting. As a result of our commitment to ensuring that everyone has enough, we may see a reduction in inequality as a side consequence. But it's critical to remember that justice's ultimate purpose is to eliminate poverty, not inequality.
On Inequality will have a tremendous influence on one of the great debates of our day, since it will pose a severe challenge to cherished ideas on both the political left and right.
From the point of view of morality, it is not important that everyone should have the same. What is morally important is that each should have enough.
