Is Inequality Inevitable? Part 1

The Journey Begins: A Dive into Inequality

Inequality. It’s a word that conjures up images of towering skyscrapers casting long shadows over crumbling neighborhoods, of lavish banquets in one part of the world and empty plates in another. But what is inequality, really? And why should we care?

Inequality is a complex, many-headed beast, one that has slithered its way through every corner of our society. It changes form, but its impact is always felt, often in the most unexpected places. From the ancient hierarchies that placed pharaohs above slaves to the modern-day chasm between billionaires and the rest of us, inequality is a shape-shifter. Today, the richest 1.5% own almost 48% of the world’s wealth—a staggering statistic that underscores how deeply entrenched inequality has become.

So, let’s move on and unpack the layers of inequality, poking the issue from different angles—historical, economic, political, and more. Perhaps, we can get us to see how each of us can play a part in building a more equitable world.

Why Inequality Matters

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Why should you care about inequality? After all, it’s easy to think of inequality as something distant, affecting others more than ourselves—an issue that governments, NGOs, and economists should worry about. But here’s the catch: inequality isn’t just a social issue or an economic problem; it’s a mirror that reflects the values of our society and, by extension, the values of each one of us.

Inequality, in a nutshell, sours the social contract, undermines trust, and destabilizes the very foundations of our communities. It’s not just about the widening gap between the rich and the poor; it’s about the erosion of opportunities, the stifling of voices, and the entrenchment of power. It’s about who gets to make decisions and whose lives are valued—or devalued—by those decisions.

How Inequality Touches Our Lives?

To make this journey even more relatable, let’s talk about how inequality touches our daily lives.

It’s not just about money.

Inequality is also about access—access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, and even the internet. It’s about the opportunities you have (or don’t have) based on where you were born, what you look like, or who your parents are. And it’s about power—who gets to make decisions, whose voices are heard, and who’s left on the sidelines.

Imagine trying to climb a mountain, but the path you’ve been given is steeper, rockier, and full of obstacles. Meanwhile, others glide up a smooth, well-paved road with signposts at every turn. This is the reality of inequality: a world where the starting line isn’t the same for everyone, and the rules of the game are rigged in favor of the few.

Historical Perspectives on Inequality

The Past is Prologue: Unearthing the Roots of Inequality

To understand the inequality that shapes our world today, we need to take a journey back in time—not in a dry, textbook sense, but by stepping into the lives of those who lived it. The past is full of stories, each one a thread in the vast tapestry of human history, where inequality was both a driver and a consequence of civilization’s greatest triumphs and darkest moments.

Spartacus: The Rebel Gladiator

In the heart of the Roman Empire, where wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few elite families, a man named Spartacus became a symbol of resistance against the brutal inequalities that defined ancient Rome. Born around 111 BCE in Thrace, a region that straddles modern-day Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, Spartacus was initially a free man—a farmer who worked the land, much like his ancestors. But fate would have it otherwise.

Captured and enslaved by Roman forces, Spartacus was brought to Italy and sold into slavery. This was a common fate for many who opposed Rome’s expanding borders. Enslavement was not just a loss of freedom; it was a reduction of human life to a commodity—a status symbol for the Roman elite who owned vast numbers of slaves to demonstrate their wealth and power.

Spartacus was sent to a gladiatorial school in Capua, a city near Naples. Here, he was trained to fight and kill for the entertainment of the masses in the blood-soaked arenas of Rome. Gladiators were the disposable heroes of their time, celebrated by the crowds yet condemned to a life of violence and death. The Roman historian Plutarch wrote that gladiators were "kept like wild beasts, to be let loose for a spectacle."

But Spartacus was not content to live and die by the sword for the amusement of others. In 73 BCE, he led a daring escape with about 70 fellow gladiators. This small band of rebels quickly grew as slaves from across the region flocked to join their cause. Spartacus’s army swelled to over 100,000 men, women, and children—slaves, peasants, and disillusioned citizens who saw in Spartacus a leader who could challenge the might of Rome.

For two years, Spartacus’s forces outmaneuvered Roman legions, defeating them in battle after battle. His success was not just military; it was symbolic. Spartacus exposed the fragility of the Roman social order, where the wealth of the elite depended on the exploitation and oppression of the many. The rebellion shook the foundations of the Empire, forcing the Senate to take drastic measures.

Eventually, the tide turned. The Roman general Crassus, one of the wealthiest men in Rome, was given command of eight legions—roughly 40,000 soldiers—to crush the rebellion. Spartacus’s army was cornered in southern Italy, and in 71 BCE, the final battle was fought. Spartacus is believed to have died in this battle, although his body was never found. Crassus crucified 6,000 captured rebels along the Appian Way as a grim reminder of the fate that awaited those who dared to defy Rome.

The story of Spartacus is more than just a tale of rebellion; it is a testament to the enduring struggle against inequality and the lengths to which the powerful will go to maintain their control. As the Roman poet Juvenal would later write, "Give them bread and circuses, and they will never revolt." Yet, Spartacus’s revolt is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming power, the human spirit can rise in defiance.

Ramses II and Paneb: The Pharaoh and the Laborer

To truly grasp the depths of inequality, one must look beyond the grandeur of the monuments and delve into the lives of those who built them. Ancient Egypt, a civilization that flourished along the fertile banks of the Nile for millennia, was a society deeply stratified by class, wealth, and power. At the pinnacle of this hierarchy stood the pharaohs, who were revered as gods on earth. Among these rulers, Ramses II, known as Ramses the Great, reigned supreme.

Ramses II ruled for 66 years, from 1279 to 1213 BCE, and during his reign, Egypt reached the zenith of its power and glory. He is often depicted in colossal statues, his image carved into the very stone that makes up the temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel. His achievements were vast—military conquests, monumental constructions, and the expansion of Egypt’s influence across the ancient world. But this grandeur came at a cost.

The construction of Ramses’s grandiose monuments required a vast workforce. These laborers, many of whom were skilled artisans, lived in the village of Deir el-Medina, situated near the Valley of the Kings. Among them was Paneb, whose story has been preserved in the records found in the village.

Paneb was not just any laborer; he was the foreman of the crew responsible for the construction of royal tombs. His life offers a rare glimpse into the daily struggles and the systemic inequalities that permeated even the lives of those who were relatively privileged among the working class. Paneb was a skilled worker, but he was also a man of ambition and conflict. He was accused by his fellow workers of corruption, theft, and even sexual misconduct—allegations that reflect the cutthroat environment in which these men lived and worked.

The tomb workers of Deir el-Medina were paid in rations of grain, oil, and other essentials. Yet, despite their crucial role in building the pharaoh’s eternal resting places, they often faced shortages and delays in their pay. Strikes were not uncommon. In fact, the first recorded labor strike in history occurred in Deir el-Medina in the 29th year of Ramses III’s reign, when the workers downed tools to protest the late delivery of their rations.

The stark contrast between the divine status of Ramses II and the struggles of men like Paneb highlights the enduring nature of inequality. While Ramses’s legacy is immortalized in stone, the lives of the laborers who built his monuments were often precarious and fraught with hardship. The grandeur of Egypt’s monuments masks the reality of the thousands who lived and died in their shadow.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: The Queen Who Rewrote the Rules

Fast forward to the 12th century, and we find ourselves in the tumultuous world of medieval Europe—a world where power was fiercely contested, and the roles of women were rigidly defined. Yet, amidst this male-dominated society, one woman managed to carve out a place for herself, not just as a queen, but as a political force to be reckoned with: Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Born in 1122, Eleanor was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women of her time. She inherited the vast Duchy of Aquitaine, which made her a sought-after bride. At the age of 15, she married Louis VII of France, becoming Queen of France. But Eleanor was no mere consort; she was a woman of intelligence, ambition, and strong will.

Eleanor’s marriage to Louis was troubled, partly because of her independent nature and partly due to their lack of a male heir. The couple participated in the Second Crusade, during which Eleanor reportedly challenged her husband’s authority, even suggesting that she would rather fight alongside her uncle, the Prince of Antioch. This defiance strained their marriage, and in 1152, their union was annulled.

Just two months later, Eleanor married Henry, Duke of Normandy, who would soon become Henry II of England. This marriage brought Eleanor even greater power, as she became Queen of England and mother to ten children, including two future kings: Richard the Lionheart and John. But her marriage to Henry was also fraught with tension. Eleanor supported her sons in their rebellion against their father, leading to her imprisonment for 15 years.

Despite these challenges, Eleanor managed to wield significant influence. She was a patron of the arts and played a key role in the courtly love movement, which celebrated chivalry and the romantic idealization of women. Eleanor’s courts in Aquitaine became centers of culture and learning, attracting poets, troubadours, and thinkers from across Europe.

Eleanor’s life was a delicate balance of power and subservience. She navigated the complexities of medieval politics with skill and cunning, often using her status as a mother and a widow to maneuver in a society that sought to limit her influence. Her story is a reminder that even within rigid structures of inequality, there are opportunities for resistance and change. Eleanor’s legacy is not just that of a queen, but of a woman who defied the conventions of her time to shape the course of history.

Harriet Tubman: The Conductor of Freedom

Moving to the 19th century, we encounter one of the most remarkable figures in American history: Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery around 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman’s early life was marked by hardship and brutality. Her owners subjected her to frequent beatings, and as a child, she suffered a severe head injury that caused lifelong pain and seizures. But these experiences only steeled her resolve.

In 1849, Tubman escaped to the North, making the perilous journey to freedom via the Underground Railroad—a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada. But Tubman was not content to simply enjoy her own freedom; she became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, returning to the South at great personal risk to lead others to safety.

Over the course of ten years, Tubman made 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including members of her own family. Her work earned her the nickname “Moses,” a reference to the biblical figure who led the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt. Tubman’s success was due in part to her intelligence, resourcefulness, and unyielding faith. She used disguises, employed clever tactics to throw off pursuers, and relied on a network of abolitionists who supported her cause.

Tubman’s efforts were not just acts of defiance against the institution of slavery; they were a direct challenge to the racial inequalities that defined American society. She once said, “I freed a thousand slaves; I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.” This statement reflects the psychological chains that bound many enslaved people—a system of oppression so pervasive that it was internalized by its victims.

During the Civil War, Tubman continued her fight for freedom, serving as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army. She even led a raid on the Combahee River in South Carolina, which resulted in the liberation of over 700 enslaved people. After the war, Tubman worked tirelessly for women’s suffrage, advocating for the rights of women and African Americans until her death in 1913.

Harriet Tubman’s life is a testament to the power of individual action in the face of systemic inequality. Her courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire those who fight against oppression today. Tubman’s story is a reminder that even the most formidable systems can be challenged by the resolve of a single individual.

Mahatma Gandhi: The Force of Nonviolence

As we move into the 20th century, we turn our attention to India, where a new kind of resistance was taking shape—one that would forever change the way we think about power and justice. At the forefront of this movement was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi. Born in 1869 in Porbandar, a coastal town in present-day Gujarat, Gandhi was educated in law in London and went on to practice in South Africa, where he first encountered the racial discrimination that would shape his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

Gandhi’s return to India in 1915 marked the beginning of a movement that would challenge the very foundations of British colonial rule. He believed in Satyagraha, or “truth force,” a principle that combined nonviolence with a firm commitment to truth and justice. For Gandhi, true resistance was not about aggression or violence; it was about the moral superiority of the oppressed standing up to their oppressors with dignity and righteousness.

One of the most iconic moments of Gandhi’s struggle came in 1930 with the Salt March, a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the Arabian Sea. This was a direct challenge to the British monopoly on salt production, which imposed heavy taxes on a basic necessity of life. Gandhi and his followers walked for 24 days, gathering thousands of supporters along the way. Upon reaching the coast, Gandhi defied the law by making salt from seawater, a simple yet powerful act of civil disobedience.

The Salt March galvanized the Indian independence movement, drawing international attention to the injustices of British rule. It also demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance, showing that a determined and united populace could challenge even the most entrenched power structures. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence inspired movements for civil rights and social justice across the world, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s struggle against racial segregation in the United States to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Gandhi’s vision was not just political; it was deeply spiritual. He believed in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of caste, religion, or social status. His commitment to equality extended to his own life—he lived simply, wore homespun clothes, and renounced material wealth. Gandhi once said, “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed.” This statement captures the essence of his critique of inequality, which he saw as a moral failing of society.

Gandhi’s legacy is a reminder that the fight against inequality is not just about changing laws or policies; it’s about changing hearts and minds. His life and work continue to influence those who seek to challenge injustice through nonviolent means, proving that the power of truth and love can be more formidable than the might of empires.

Nelson Mandela: The Prisoner Who Became President

Finally, we arrive in South Africa, where the struggle against racial inequality reached its zenith in the latter half of the 20th century. At the center of this struggle was Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a man whose name would become synonymous with the fight for freedom and justice. Born in 1918 in the village of Mvezo, Mandela grew up in a country deeply divided by race, where the white minority ruled over the black majority through a system of institutionalized segregation known as apartheid.

Mandela’s early life was marked by the contradictions of growing up in a traditional African society under colonial rule. His father was a chief, and Mandela was groomed for leadership from a young age. He studied law at the University of Fort Hare and later at the University of Witwatersrand, where he became involved in the African National Congress (ANC), a political organization dedicated to ending apartheid.

Mandela’s activism brought him into direct conflict with the South African government, and in 1962, he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the state. For the next 27 years, Mandela was confined to a small cell on Robben Island, where he endured hard labor, harsh conditions, and the constant threat of death.

Yet, even in the darkest of circumstances, Mandela remained a symbol of resistance. He continued to inspire those on the outside, both in South Africa and around the world. International pressure on the South African government grew, and in 1990, Mandela was released from prison. His release marked the beginning of the end for apartheid, and in 1994, Mandela was elected as South Africa’s first black president in the country’s first multiracial elections.

Mandela’s presidency was characterized by his commitment to reconciliation and nation-building. He understood that the deep wounds of apartheid could not be healed through revenge or retribution, but through forgiveness and the creation of a new, inclusive South Africa. Mandela’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the country through this difficult transition, earning him global admiration and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

But Mandela’s journey was not just about the struggle for political power; it was about the deeper quest for equality and human dignity. He once said, “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

Mandela’s story serves as a bridge to more contemporary forms of inequality, showing how political and social change can come through resilience and moral leadership. His legacy challenges us to confront the inequalities in our own societies with the same resolve and commitment to justice.

History’s Echoes: What These Stories Tell Us

These stories tell us that inequality isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s a very real, very human experience. Inequality is persistent, but it’s also malleable. The rules of society have always been written by those in power, but those rules can be rewritten. The pharaohs, emperors, and kings weren’t the only ones shaping history—so too were the laborers, the rebels, and the queens who dared to challenge their world.

By looking at these figures—Spartacus, Ramses II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Harriet Tubman, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela—we see that the struggle against inequality is as old as civilization itself. These individuals, despite their different backgrounds and the unique challenges they faced, all found ways to resist, to fight, and to change the world around them. Their stories remind us that while inequality may be a constant, it is not inevitable. The forces that shape our societies can be challenged, and change is always possible.

The fight against inequality isn’t just a battle fought in the past—it’s a struggle that continues in our world today. And like those who came before us, we all have a role to play in shaping a more just and equitable future.

Moving on

While individuals like Spartacus, Harriet Tubman, and Nelson Mandela show us the power of resistance and the potential for change, the question remains: What are the deeper forces that sustain inequality, and what role do our belief systems play in this?

We must explore how religious and spiritual frameworks—whether through laws, doctrines, or cultural norms—have both challenged and reinforced systems of inequality throughout history. From the revolutionary ideas within Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism to the cultural and moral frameworks of Indigenous belief systems, religion can be both a tool of liberation and a mechanism for maintaining power. The exploration of these perspectives will help us better understand how deeply embedded inequality is in the human experience and how it has shaped, and continues to shape, our world today.

Continue to CHAPTER 2 >>