I don't think equality is intrinsically valuable, meaning in and of itself. I'm not against inequality... if Bill Gates gets another hundred million dollars, it's no skin off my nose.

Angus Deaton’s quote challenges the conventional belief that equality is inherently valuable. By stating that he doesn’t think equality is "intrinsically valuable," Deaton suggests that equality itself is not necessarily a goal worth striving for in all cases. Rather, he implies that inequality may be acceptable or even justified in certain contexts, particularly when the disparity doesn't negatively affect one's well-being. His argument reflects a nuanced view of equality, where the focus is not solely on uniformity, but rather on the broader impact of inequality on society.

Deaton’s statement also includes an example involving wealth inequality, specifically referencing Bill Gates and his wealth. He argues that if a billionaire like Gates were to amass even more wealth, it wouldn't bother him, as it would not directly harm him or others. This example suggests that inequality in certain cases, especially when it pertains to individuals who are already extremely wealthy, is not inherently problematic if it does not lead to social harm. It highlights Deaton’s perspective that the distribution of wealth may not need to be perfectly equal for a society to function effectively.

Furthermore, Deaton's position reflects a belief in the importance of focusing on outcomes rather than strictly enforcing equality of means or resources. In his view, it’s more important to assess how disparities affect quality of life and well-being, rather than to pursue equality for equality’s sake. This perspective can be seen as part of a broader economic or philosophical argument that emphasizes freedom and personal choice, and that recognizes that inequality can sometimes be a natural result of different circumstances or achievements.

The origin of this quote stems from Angus Deaton, a British-American economist and Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences. Deaton is known for his work on poverty, inequality, and economic development. His views on equality and inequality are informed by his research, which examines the relationship between wealth distribution, health, and well-being. His stance challenges popular beliefs in the automatic value of equality, suggesting that the pursuit of equality should be considered in the context of its broader social and economic impacts.