Egalitarian Quote by Paul Bloom
““In 1999, the anthropologist Christopher Boehm addressed this issue in Hierarchy in the Forest, which reviewed the lifestyles of dozens of small-scale human groups. Perhaps surprisingly, he found that they are egalitarian. Material inequality is kept to a minimum; goods are distributed to everyone. The old and sick are cared for. There are leaders, but their power is kept in check; and the social structure is flexible and nonhierarchical. It looks less like Stalin’s Russia and more like Occupy Wall Street.””
About This Quote
Bohem’s research shows small groups can be egalitarian, with minimal inequality, shared resources, and flexible leadership.
In simple terms: Small groups can be egalitarian.
Key Takeaway
Promote shared responsibility.
Themes
equality
leadership
community
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
academic
informative
When to use this quote
- co‑ops
- neighborhood councils
Key Concepts
resource distribution
social structure
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions enable true egalitarianism?
- How can leaders stay accountable?
A Different Perspective
May not scale to larger societies.
![“Our best hope for the future [...] lies in an appreciation of the fact that, even if we don’t empathize with distant strangers, their lives have the same value as the lives of those we love.” quote by Paul Bloom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/630/paul-bloom-3720_appreciation_our-best-hope-for-the-future-lies-in-an_177200.jpg)
