Imagine a geometric shape that is repeated and is superimposable. The shape on the left is identical to that on the right. The right one is equal to the left. This kind of symmetry is the basis of the principle of “EQUALITY”. More specifically, this is an equal right “to be”, which is the foundation of our justice system. Here is another principle that has been known for two centuries. It has suffered much confusion because symmetries are broken and diversity and differences crop up. The “equality to be” should not be confused with the “equality to have” or the equality of status, which are utopian: beings are born different, evolve differently, and lay claim to their differences, because these grant them their identity. Beings have a right to be, live and become that is equal to that of other beings, but they also have the right to be different. This distinction between the right to BE and the right to HAVE is fundamental.

When the principle of equality between beings is broken, discrimination inevitably appears. For example, is the principle of “Non-discrimination between local production and imports”, which the World Trade Organization claims as its own, compatible with the principle of equality to BE? Alas, that is a false ethical principle , because all too often, it allows the strong to compete against the weak, thus violating the principle of equality.  It has contributed to the growing inequalities in the world even though it has had positive effects in some cases, when it broke local monopolies.

One of the by-products of equality is equity, or fairness. Not getting rich at the expense of others is a way of respecting human beings, their rights and their differences. In other contexts, the principle of equality produces derivative values such as equilibrium (or balance), fair trade, and so on, all of which are important values in any exchange. Searching for left/right symmetries through values such as equality, equity (fairness), equilibrium… is the first step towards an ethical path. The International Standard Organization is thriving towards symmetry with its famous ISO norms such as ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14’001 (environment) and ISO 26’000 (social responsibility). ISO means “equal” (from ancient Greek Isos).


1) Indeed, the WTO confuses the “equality to be” with the “equality to have” or the equality of status. (retour)