The Inequality of Wealth

808. Doesn’t the inequality of wealth originate in the inequality of faculties, which give to some persons more means of acquiring things than other persons?
“Yes and no. What would you say about fraud and robbery?”
– So, would inherited wealth be the fruit of evil passions?
“What do you know about it? Go back to its origin to find out if it is pure. Do you know whether or not if at its source it was the fruit of spoliation or injustice? But apart from the issue of its possible evil origin, do you believe that the longing for wealth – even when honestly acquired – and the secret longing conceived to possess it as soon as possible are laudable sentiments? That is what God judges, and I can assure you that the divine judgment is more severe than that of humans.”
809. If a fortune has been wrongly acquired to start with, are the heirs later responsible for this?
“Of course, they are not responsible for the wrong that others committed, especially if they are ignorant of it. But you should know that a fortune is often destined for certain individuals in order to provide them the opportunity to repair an injustice. Happy for them if they comprehend this! If they repair the injustice in the name of the one who committed it in the first place, the reparation will be taken into account for everyone concerned, because it is almost always the original wrong-doer who, from the spirit world, inspires them to do it.”
810. We may dispose of our assets more equitably or less equitably without breaking the law. Thus, are we responsible for our testamentary dispositions after death?
“Every action bears its own fruit; the fruit of good deeds is sweet, whereas the fruit of other deeds is always bitter. Always bear this in mind.”
811. Is absolute equality of wealth possible, and has it ever existed?
“No, it is not possible. The diversity of faculties and characters opposes it.”
– Nevertheless, there are those who believe it to be the remedy for all social ills. What do you think of that?
“Either they are framers of theories, or they are ambitious and envious. They do not understand that equality would be quickly broken by the very force of things. Fight selfishness, for that is your social plague. Do not run after chimeras.”
812. If equality of wealth is not possible, does the same apply to well-being?
“No, but well-being is relative and everyone could enjoy it if humans understood each other better, for true wellbeing consists in employing one’s time according to one’s liking, and not in working at something one does not enjoy. Since everyone has different aptitudes, no useful work would therefore be left undone. Equilibrium exists in everything; humans are the ones who upset it.”
– Is it possible for everyone to understand one another?
“Humans will understand one another when they practice the law of justice.”
813. There are persons who fall into deprivation and poverty through their own fault. May society be held responsible for this?
“Yes, we have already told you that society is always the primary cause of such wrongs. Isn’t it society’s responsibility to attend to the moral education of its members? It is frequently bad education that distorts these persons’ judgment, instead of stifling their harmful tendencies.” (See no. 685)

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