Single Idea 23901

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 1. Grounds of equality]

Full Idea

I conceive human relations solely on the plane of equality; therefore, so soon as someone begins to treat me as an inferior, human relations between us become impossible in my eyes.

Gist of Idea

Relationships depend on equality, so unequal treatment kills them

Source

Simone Weil (Letters [1940], 1936-03)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'Seventy Letters' [Wipf & Stock 2015], p.34


A Reaction

Love that. This is precisely where equality starts. I fear that the problem is that people who don't treat others as equals don't want relationships with them, which particularly occurs in a competitive or hierarchical culture.

Related Idea

Idea 2808 Master and slave can have friendship through common interests [Aristotle]