"No hay nada más desigual que el trato igual de personas desiguales."

The core idea here is that treating everyone the same way doesn’t always lead to fairness. People are different—each with their unique circumstances, needs, and challenges. So, giving everyone the exact same thing isn’t always the best idea because it doesn’t account for those individual differences.

Think of a classroom where the teacher gives every student the same homework assignment. On the surface, it seems fair. But what if one student has a learning disability and struggles with reading, while another finds the subject easy and finishes in ten minutes? Treating both students exactly the same doesn’t help either of them much.

Historically, this idea has roots in discussions about equity versus equality. Equity involves giving people what they need to succeed, while equality involves treating everyone the same. It’s a concept that’s been relevant in social justice movements, education, and workplace policies. The idea is to recognize and accommodate individual differences instead of assuming a one-size-fits-all approach works for everyone.

Imagine a workplace scenario. Picture a company where every employee is given the same amount of time and resources to complete their tasks. It sounds fair, right? But let’s dig a bit deeper. One employee, Alex, is super experienced and can finish the task in half the allotted time. Meanwhile, Jamie is new to the company and needs more guidance and perhaps a bit more time. By treating Alex and Jamie exactly the same, the company isn't helping either one maximize their potential. Alex ends up underutilized and bored, while Jamie feels overwhelmed and stressed.

To apply this wisdom in real life, start by recognizing individual needs in your interactions, whether at work, in your community, or at home. Ask yourself: what does this person need to succeed? How can I support them effectively? For managers, it might mean offering personalized development plans. For teachers, it could involve differentiated instruction. For parents, it might mean balancing rules and expectations to suit each child’s personality and needs.

Let’s think about a story to make this clearer. Imagine Sarah, a manager at a tech firm. She has two team members, Joe and Lisa. Joe is a recent graduate, eager to learn but lacks experience. Lisa, on the other hand, has been in the field for over a decade. If Sarah assigns them the same tasks with the same deadlines, Joe might struggle, feeling overwhelmed and possibly making more mistakes. Lisa might find the tasks too simple and feel unchallenged. Seeing this, Sarah decides to adjust her approach. She pairs Joe with a mentor for guidance and gives him slightly more time for complex tasks. For Lisa, she offers more challenging projects that stimulate her expertise and keep her engaged. By doing this, Sarah ensures both Joe and Lisa are effective and satisfied in their roles.

In essence, treating people according to their individual needs results in a more productive and harmonious environment. It's like giving everyone a pair of shoes—each in their size. The right fit makes all the difference. So next time you’re faced with the decision to treat everyone the same or consider their differences, think about Sarah, Joe, and Lisa. Tailor your approach, and you’ll likely see a more positive outcome.