"In America everybody is of the opinion that he has no social superiors, since all men are equal, but he does not admit that he has no social inferiors, for, from the time of Jefferson onward, the doctrine that all men are equal applies only upwards, not downwards"

This quote by Bertrand Russell speaks to the concept of equality in America. He recommends that Americans believe that they have no social superiors, as all men are equal. Nevertheless, he argues that this idea of equality only applies upwards, not downwards. This suggests that while Americans may think that they amount to those of greater social standing, they do not believe that those of lower social standing amount to them. This quote speaks with the concept of advantage and power dynamics in America, and how they can be utilized to keep inequality. It also talks to the concept of the American Dream, and how it can be used to perpetuate inequality. Eventually, this quote talks to the concept that while Americans might think in equality, they may not always practice it.