I am not arguing for a utopian society; equal opportunity for

Hear the words of Tulsi Tanti, a man who labored in the fields of industry and vision, who declared: “I am not arguing for a utopian society; equal opportunity for all, though ideal, is unrealistic.” These words are not the cry of a cynic, but the sober reflection of one who has walked among the struggles of men and seen the limits of human striving. They remind us that though we may dream of perfection, we must govern ourselves by the possible, and build carefully upon the soil of reality.

For the idea of a utopian society has haunted the imagination of humanity since the dawn of time. From Plato’s Republic to Thomas More’s Utopia, men have painted visions of perfect justice, harmony, and equality. Yet in every age, when these dreams have been pursued without measure, they have found themselves dashed against the rock of human imperfection. Pride, greed, fear, and frailty remain stubborn companions of mankind. Tanti, wise in the ways of enterprise, knew that to demand perfection of society is to sow disappointment, and to chase equality without limits is to court despair.

Consider, O listeners, the tragedy of the French Revolution. It began with the noble cry of liberté, égalité, fraternité. But in its zeal to build an absolute equal opportunity for all, it turned against itself in violence, suspicion, and bloodshed. The guillotine became its grim teacher, and the dream of utopia dissolved into tyranny. The lesson is clear: ideals are needed, but they must be tempered with wisdom, for man cannot remake himself into an angel by decree.

Yet do not mistake Tanti’s words for surrender. To say that absolute equal opportunity is unrealistic is not to say that we should abandon justice. It is to say that the labor of building a better world lies not in demanding the impossible, but in striving steadily toward the possible. Though perfection cannot be attained, improvement always can. To feed the hungry, to educate the child, to uplift the poor—these things are within reach, and each act of fairness brings society closer to its noblest self.

Indeed, history also offers us the brighter tale of progress made within imperfection. In India itself, where Tanti worked, the struggle for independence was not fought to create a perfect paradise, but to build a freer and fairer land. Gandhi did not promise utopia, but he taught that small acts of justice and sacrifice could transform the destiny of a nation. His path was slow, fraught with suffering, but it bore real fruit. Thus Tanti’s wisdom reminds us: do not despise gradual change simply because perfection is out of reach.

The meaning of the quote, then, is a call to humility and perseverance. Dreams of a utopian society can inspire us, but they must not blind us to reality. To demand that every inequality vanish at once is folly, but to refuse to work toward greater fairness is cowardice. Between these extremes lies the true path: steady effort, guided by vision but rooted in what can be done.

The lesson for us is clear: let not the perfect be the enemy of the good. In your own life, do not despair because you cannot create equal opportunity for all. Do what you can: extend fairness in your dealings, lift those within your reach, support systems that expand education, healthcare, and dignity. These are not utopia, but they are steps toward justice. And a world built of such steps will endure longer than one built on impossible dreams.

Thus remember Tulsi Tanti’s wisdom: “I am not arguing for a utopian society; equal opportunity for all, though ideal, is unrealistic.” Let these words temper your spirit. Dream boldly, but labor wisely. Strive for justice, but accept the limits of humanity. And in doing so, you will build not a perfect world, but a better one—stronger, fairer, and more enduring for those who come after you.