bhaskar saikia

What is equality? A world where every human being is equal in every aspect—happiness, wealth, love, and all those romantic notions of fairness. It’s a beautiful thought, but is equality actually possible? To find out, we need to look at history.

From the very beginning of modern humanity, equality has remained a distant dream. In the Stone Age, it was the physically strongest who enjoyed the most benefits—better access to food, shelter, and even mates. As societies evolved into kingdoms and empires, the dream of equality stayed elusive. Later, with the rise of nation-states and the concept of democracy, there was hope. Political philosophies like communism and capitalism also emerged, promising fairness and equality for all. Yet, in reality, none of them fully succeeded.

Why has equality failed?

To understand that, we need to look at how societies are structured. Throughout history, humanity has been divided into three broad classes:
– The High Class – those who hold power and resources.
– The Middle Class – those aspiring to replace the High Class.
– The Low Class – those at the bottom, hoping for fairness and equality.

History repeats a strange cycle. The Middle Class, believing the High Class exploits everyone, rallies the Low Class in the name of equality. Revolutions and uprisings follow, often supported by the Low Class. When successful, the Middle Class replaces the High Class. But once in power, the new rulers behave just like the old ones—exploiting resources and consolidating their privilege. And what does the Low Class gain? Very little. The same misery continues, and the cycle begins again when another group of Middle Class rebels emerges.

George Orwell illustrated this dynamic brilliantly in 1984, where revolutions promise equality but inevitably produce new hierarchies.

Even today, despite advancements in agriculture, medicine, and technology, people still die from malnutrition and preventable diseases. We live in the most prosperous era of human history, yet the gap between the rich and the poor is at its highest.

So, is equality possible?

Perhaps equality is destined to remain what it has always been—a utopian dream. Maybe the human tendency to form hierarchies and hold on to power is simply too strong to overcome.

I don’t have a final answer. Maybe no one does. But one thing is certain: if we truly want equality, we must stop waiting for revolutions and start questioning the systems and attitudes that keep us divided in the first place.