Single Idea 19982

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 4. Economic equality]

Full Idea

Equality is so difficult that exactitude is not possible. It is enough to place citizens by a census within categories that reduce or fix differences. Then laws compensate for inequalities by taxes on the rich and relief given to the poor.

Gist of Idea

Some equality can be achieved by social categories, combined with taxes and poor relief

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 05.05)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.142


A Reaction

[compressed] Placing citizens within categories (e.g. 'nobility') has long gone out of fashion. He doesn't say whether you tax the capital or the income of the rich.