“Just as modern mass production requires the standardization of commodities, so the social process requires standardization of man, and this standardization is called equality”
— Erich Fromm
Simplified Meaning:
In a factory, making many of the same product quickly and efficiently means all the products need to be very similar, almost identical. Just like the factory standardizes products, society needs people to be more alike to function smoothly. This sameness in people is often what we call equality. For example, in many workplaces, everyone follows the same rules and protocols to ensure everything runs well. Similarly, democracy depends on treating everyone equally to ensure fairness and justice. When people follow the same basic principles, like respecting each other's rights, it helps society work better for everyone. Applying this idea to your life means understanding that while everyone is unique, certain shared standards and behaviors are what help communities thrive and ensure everyone is treated fairly.