if we were all created equal, what gives one human the right to tell another what to do ?

Question

wow, some good answers, but when i said equal i didnt mean financally,as for the the structure in society i agree,but is it fair that one human has control over another because they are bigger, stronger, richer?and if you think it is does that make it right?

properwi,
i am a child, and my friends and i where wondering, where all the born smarter people with greater intelligence are ,and why the world is in such a mess with all these more equal people than us running it.

Answer 1

we was all created equals,and nothing gives one equal th right to tell another what to do.BUT in the world we live in today we let people make us into the people we are thats why we have raciest,bullys and people that are jealous we now live in a cruel world where we do things to please other people xx well thats what i think any way

Answer 2

We may start out as equal (a helpless baby), but the situations (social, financial and cultural) we are born into determine the opportunities to develop our potential. As we grow, learn and mature, our individual strengths and weaknesses take shape. Our knowledge and experiences vary from person to person.

A parent or guardian has the responsibility of raising a child to become a functioning member of society. It follows that they should have the right to tell the child what they can and cannot do, because the child starts out not knowing anything and needs to learn.

In most societies people have the right to express their opinions, which is usually in accord with the general consensus of opinion within the society. Because some behaviours (stealing, murder etc) are detrimental to the society, there must be some way of preventing damaging behaviour.

A society appoints people, or people volunteer, to prevent bad behaviour, such as the police, social services (don't laugh), and so forth, they are given the right to enforce the rules that govern society. Their duty is to tell people if what they are doing is wrong, and if they refuse to comply an appropriate response is required. Thus a legal system to define and punish bad behaviours, is formed under the guidance of those with the most influence and power, politicians, military commanders, monarchs, religious leaders etc. They supposedly represent the views of their society (don't laugh).

Changing the focus a little, employers and managers have the responsibility to ensure that those working for them are actually doing the work they are supposed to be doing, and so have the right to order their employees to work. The exact responsibilities and rights of the employer and employee are usually defined beforehand to prevent abuse on either side.

So in essence, the right to tell others what to do should be born out of the responsibility to ensure that others do what they are supposed to do. Defining "what we are supposed to do", is an utter pain, so I'm not even going to try.

Answer 3

We the people elect representatives to govern ourselves. Its as fair as it gets in an unfair world. It is the use of this system that enshrines the law which tries to protect equality. We are not born equal but amazingly considering the horrible things we could do to each other I think most of our society believes we should all get the chance to thrive- democratic law levels the playing field a bit. Are you suggesting it would be better if no one told anyone what to do? Go to any country, ghetto, estate or family without someone incharge and you'll soon see the benefit.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, although the words sounds nice, we certainly aren't all created equal. Some are born smarter, taller, with birth defects, more beautiful or whatever. There is definitely no equality there.

What gives one human the right to tell another what to do? That depends. Parents have not just the right, but the responsibility to tell their children what to do. What gives them that right? Love.

As a society, we give various members of society the right to enforce our laws. It's a tradeoff for our security and creates law and order. We, as a society, give them that right...no matter how obliquely.

People in authority are given the right to tell another what to do to keep order and to promote the general welfare. Teachers, fireman (in emergencies), police officers, military personnel (in emergencies) etc.

The reasons go on and on.

Answer 5

The problem is we are NOT created equal no matter what the Constitution says. It's all in our genes and our opportunities. Some people are just born leaders; others are born followers. It all depends on the individual. The power of one over another is relative but necessary to prevent anarchy either way.

Answer 6

Animals (like us) are created equal but there is still a hierarchy. Would you prefer anarchy? Even the simplest of creature societies has proved that this never works.

There have been anarchists and individual thinkers in the simplest of animal societies such as ants and bees - they have all been killed and ejected from their colonies.

Answer 7

I don't think humanity would exist. I think there are those who where born to be leaders, others to be followers and then there's the ones in between.
I believe this is necessary in order for there to be a valance. Some people like being followers, they need to be told what to do, and while they might have the ability to also be leaders they prefer to be where they are right in their comfort zone not having to deal with more responsibility.

Answer 8

There is a common mistake that we are all created equal = we are all equal. We may be created equal (try telling that to a poor African) but some people improve themselves throughout there lives and are therefore elevated to positions where they tell others what to do. Not all these elevated people are any better of course.

Answer 9

might is right, equallity is really just a myth.
I belive it to be a mistake that leaders are seen to be better than those under them despite the fact that leaders are only as good as the people who end up doing the work for them.
The governments in democratic societys are by the people for the people if a government proves unpopular they can be gotten rid off.

Answer 10

It all depends upon who the people are. God tells children to obey their parents. He also tells believers to be subject to the governing authorities and to those who are "over them" in the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."

Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.