Equality

Nothing, however, is as ill founded as the assertion of the alleged equality of all members of the human race.

Liberalism, p. 28

Collaboration of the more talented, more able, and more industrious with the less talented, less able, and less industrious results in benefit for both. The gains derived from the division of labor are always mutual.

Human Action, p. 159; p. 160

The heir of a wealthy man [undoubtedly] enjoys a certain advantage as he starts under more favorable conditions than others.

The Anti-Capitalistic Mentality, pp. 40–41

The egalitarian doctrine is manifestly contrary to all the facts established by biology and by history. Only fanatical partisans of this theory can contend that what distinguishes the genius from the dullard is entirely the effect of postnatal influences.

Theory and History, p. 331

We cannot really say any more about the inherited characteristics of the individual than that some men are more gifted from birth than others. Where the difference between good and bad is to be sought we cannot say.

Socialism, p. 288

Men are unequal; individuals differ from one another. They differ because their prenatal as well as their postnatal history is never identical.

The Ultimate Foundation of Economic Science, p. 59

Equality of opportunity is a factor neither in prize fights and beauty contests nor in any other field of competition, whether biological or social. The immense majority of people are by the physiological structure of their bodies deprived of a chance to attain the honors of a boxing champion or a beauty queen. Only very few people can compete on the labor market as opera singers and movie stars.

Human Action, p. 276; p. 276

In talking about equality and asking vehemently for its realization, nobody advocates a curtailment of his own present income.

Planning for Freedom, p. 137

What those people who ask for equality have in mind is always an increase in their own power to consume.

Human Action, p. 836; p. 840

The idea of equal distribution of land is a pernicious illusion. Its execution would plunge mankind into misery and starvation, and would in fact wipe out civilization itself.

Theory and History, p. 354