Quote by David Riesman
The idea that men are created free and equal is both true and misleading: men are created different; they lose their social freedom and their individual autonomy in seeking to become like each other.
Summary
This quote highlights a paradox in the concept of freedom and equality for humanity. While it is true that all individuals are created different from one another, the pursuit of societal conformity forces people to sacrifice their freedom and individuality. In order to fit into society, individuals often strive to conform to societal norms, undermining their own uniqueness. Thus, the notion that all men are inherently equal and free becomes misleading as the pressure to conform hinders their genuine expression and limits their personal autonomy.