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.