The wrong - and the right - reason to support equality

Introduction. In the middle of World War 2, CS Lewis wrote an article titled Equality in the Spectator magazine. He writes about the right and wrong reasons to back equality, the unique problems of democracy, the consequences of enforcing equality, and much more👇

The right and wrong reason to back democracy. Most favor democracy because they think people are inherently kind and reasonable - CS Lewis backs it because he thinks people are fallen. It's not that no one is fit to be a slave - it's just that no one is fit to be a master.

CS Lewis writes: "I do not think that equality is one of those things (like wisdom or happiness) which are good simply in themselves and for their own sakes." CS Lewis thinks of equality not as food but as medicine - as counterweight against the cruelty of despotic regimes.

The "special disease of democracy." Some people are unable to conceive of true nobility, earned loyalty, or happy obedience - this CS Lewis calls the "special disease of democracy."

While "spiritual inequalities" are very much real, CS Lewis believes they shouldn't spill over into politics. Hierarchical societies, instead of respecting natural inequalities, tend to create artificial ones and impose "cruelty and servility" on people who fall out of line.

Kind words for the institution of Monarchy. CS Lewis writes the British must be proud of Monarchy as it "satisfies the craving for inequality" while ensuring legal democracy. Such inequality, even if "ceremonial," does an important job.

When equality is forced, people cling to false Gods. CS Lewis writes: "Where men are forbidden to honor a king they honor millionaires, athletes, or film-stars instead — even famous prostitutes or gangsters."

The fascist temptation. CS Lewis writes that to successfully defend democracy from the anti-democrats, the democrats must understand their point first. Democrats shouldn't deny that there are natural hierarchies, and that we crave to slot into structures with an up & down.

CS Lewis writes that there's "no spiritual sustenance in flat equality." It's impossible to be of "enamored" of democracy - people need nobler goals and ideals to shoot at.

Bottom line. We should go with democracy because there's no one person who can wield absolute power without giving in to irrationality or moral failings. But democracy shouldn't touch everything. CS Lewis concludes: "Let us wear equality; but let us undress every night."