"There is nothing inherently fair about equalizing incomes. If the government penalizes you for working harder than somebody else, that is unfair. If you save your money but retire with the same pension as a free-spending neighbor, that is also unfair"

This quote by Arthur C. Brooks speaks with the idea that equalizing earnings is not naturally fair. He argues that if the federal government punishes someone for working harder than another person, that is unjust. Similarly, if somebody saves their cash but still retires with the exact same pension as a free-spending next-door neighbor, that is also unfair. This quote speaks with the idea that hard work must be rewarded and that those who save need to not be penalized for their efforts. It likewise speaks with the concept that the government ought to not remain in business of equalizing incomes, as this can lead to unjust results. Ultimately, this quote talks to the idea that fairness ought to be based upon benefit and effort, not on equalizing earnings.