Real equality is immensely difficult to achieve, it needs continual revision and monitoring of distributions. And it does not provide buffers between members, so they are continually colliding or frustrating each other.

Some scholars have been arguing that a civilizational clash between organized religions is the next step in human history.

I have increasingly, over the years, felt that religion today does our civilization more harm than good.

Without the letters of condolence, telegrams of congratulations and even occasional postcards, the friendship of a separated friend is not a social reality. It has no existence without the rites of friendship. Social rituals create a reality which would be nothing without them.

Inequality can have a bad downside, but equality, for its part, sure does get in the way of coordination.

The natural response of the old-timers is to build a strong moral wall against the outside. This is where the world starts to be painted in black and white, saints inside, and sinners outside the wall.

Hierarchy works well in a stable environment.