"جامعه‌ای که برابری را بر آزادی مقدم می‌داند، هیچ‌کدام را به دست نخواهد آورد. جامعه‌ای که آزادی را بر برابری مقدم می‌داند، به سطح بالایی از هردو دست خواهد یافت."

The main idea here is that prioritizing freedom over equality leads to a society where both freedom and a significant degree of equality can be achieved. However, if the focus is on equality first, you end up with neither true freedom nor true equality.

Milton Friedman, an American economist, said this in the 20th century. He was a big advocate for free-market capitalism and believed that the only way to ensure personal and economic freedoms was to limit government intervention. Friedman thought if you gave people the freedom to make their own choices, they'd naturally create a more balanced society.

Let's bring this to life with an example. Take the story of the United States in the late 20th century. During this time, the country was a beacon of innovation and economic growth. Why? Because it prioritized freedom—people could start businesses, innovate, and take risks without too much interference. Think about Silicon Valley. The tech boom happened there because entrepreneurs had the freedom to experiment and pursue their ideas. This led to a lot of wealth creation, and yes, some inequality. But it also created massive opportunities for many people, lifting millions out of poverty and creating a largely prosperous society.

So, how do we apply this wisdom today? Imagine you're running a company. If you focus only on making sure everyone has the same salary and benefits right from the get-go, you might stifle innovation and drive. People could end up feeling they're not rewarded for their hard work or creativity. Instead, if you create an environment where everyone has the freedom to excel and innovate, you'll likely end up with a more dynamic and successful company. Success and opportunities will follow, and you can then find ways to ensure fair treatment and rewards.

Now, picture this scenario: You've just joined a startup. It's a small team, and everyone is passionate about what they're creating. The CEO offers a range of opportunities—learn new skills, take on different roles, even pitch your ideas directly. There’s freedom. Over time, some team members rise quickly, picking up new responsibilities, and perhaps, earning more. At first glance, it might seem unequal. But look closer, and you see a culture where everyone's given the chance to grow and succeed. People are happy and productive because they feel free to chart their own paths. Eventually, the company does well, and those early freedoms lead to shared success, which can then be distributed more evenly.

The takeaway here is to embrace freedom in your life and work. Encourage creativity and personal growth, and the benefits—both in terms of equality and prosperity—will follow. So, next time you're faced with prioritizing freedom or equality, remember Friedman's insight and lean towards freedom. It might just lead you to a fairer, more successful outcome for everyone involved.