The Sixth Principle: “All Men Are Created Equal” in W. Cleon Skousen’s The 5000 Year Leap
In W. Cleon Skousen’s seminal work, “The 5000 Year Leap,” the sixth principle he outlines is the assertion that “All Men Are Created Equal.” This principle is pivotal to understanding the ethos upon which the United States was founded, mirroring the sentiments expressed in the Declaration of Independence. Skousen delves into this principle to shed light on its profound implications for society, governance, and individual rights.
Understanding Equality
Skousen clarifies that the phrase “all men are created equal” does not imply that all individuals are born with identical talents, abilities, or opportunities. Instead, this principle is rooted in three fundamental aspects:
- Equality Before God: The notion that every human being is of equal worth in the eyes of the Creator. This theological perspective underpins the moral and ethical framework in which human interactions should be based.
- Equality Before the Law: This aspect ensures that the law applies to everyone in the same manner, regardless of social status, wealth, or influence. This is crucial for preventing tyranny and ensuring justice.
- Equality of Rights: Here, Skousen emphasizes that each individual is endowed with certain inalienable rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are described as unalienable because they are inherent to humanity and cannot be justly taken away by government or any authority.
Misinterpretations and Modern Challenges
Skousen is careful to address common misinterpretations of this principle. He argues that the idea of equality has often been twisted into a demand for equal outcomes or material possessions, which he believes contradicts the Founders’ original intent. The principle is not about ensuring everyone has the same results but rather ensuring an equality of opportunity.
This interpretation has significant implications for policy-making, particularly in areas like education and welfare. Skousen critiques policies like the “No Child Left Behind Act,” suggesting that they misunderstand equality as uniformity, potentially stifling individual growth and merit-based advancement. He advocates for systems that foster personal responsibility and meritocracy over those enforcing equality of outcome.
Historical Context and Philosophical Underpinnings
Skousen traces this principle back to influences like John Locke, whose ideas on natural rights significantly shaped the American political philosophy. The principle also aligns with the Christian doctrine of the time, which viewed all souls as equal in divine worth. This was a radical departure from European feudal systems where rights were often tied to birth and status.
Implications for Modern Society
The sixth principle, as Skousen presents it, challenges contemporary societal structures to evaluate how equality is pursued. He posits that true equality involves protecting individual rights while allowing the natural diversity of human talent and effort to flourish. This principle encourages a society where success is based on merit and personal endeavor, not on redistributive policies that aim to equalize outcomes at the expense of individual initiative.
Conclusion
Skousen’s examination of the “All Men Are Created Equal” principle in “The 5000 Year Leap” serves as a reminder of the foundational values that were intended to guide American society. It’s a call to maintain these values amidst modern challenges, ensuring that equality is about opportunity and justice, not about enforcing sameness in outcomes. His work invites readers to reflect on how these principles can be applied today to foster a society that balances individual freedom with communal responsibility.
References:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World.” National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.