Equality imposed by force would achieve nothing, and do much harm
"Should
we look to kings and princes to put right the inequalities between rich
and poor? Should we require soldiers to come and seize the rich
person's gold and distribute it among his destitute neighbors? Should we
beg the emperor to impose a tax on the rich so great that it reduces
them to the level of the poor and then to share the proceeds of that tax
among everyone? Equality imposed by force
would achieve nothing, and do much harm. Those who combined both cruel
hearts and sharp minds would soon find ways of making themselves rich
again. Worse still, the rich whose gold was taken away would feel bitter
and resentful; while the poor who received the gold form the hands of
soldiers would feel no gratitude, because no generosity would have
prompted the gift. Far from bringing moral benefit to society, it would
actually do moral harm. Material justice cannot be accomplished by
compulsion, a change of heart will not follow. The only way to achieve
true justice is to change people's hearts first - and then they will
joyfully share their wealth."
~ Saint John Chrysostom
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