I was always like that, at 5 years old, just demanding equality.

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for I bring you words that speak of the strength of a voice raised in the pursuit of justice and equality. Amy Schumer, in her reflection on her childhood, said: "I was always like that, at 5 years old, just demanding equality. I thought it could all be fixed if you called attention to it." These words are a powerful reminder of the innate sense of justice that lies within each of us, a truth that is often awakened early in life and, if nurtured, can lead to profound change. At a young age, Schumer understood the importance of calling out inequality, believing that the simple act of attention would bring about transformation. Her words challenge us to recognize that equality is not a distant ideal, but a call to action that requires us to speak up whenever injustice is witnessed.

In the ancient world, children were often seen but not heard, their voices overshadowed by the authority of adults. In Greece, it was only the privileged who were allowed to speak in the Agora, the heart of civic life, while women, slaves, and the poor had little power to demand justice. Socrates, the great philosopher, questioned the structure of Athenian society, but he was not alone in his fight for equality. Aristotle and others sought to define justice, though they often fell short of acknowledging the rights of women or non-citizens. Yet, even within these ancient constraints, there were those who spoke out, calling attention to the injustices of their time, hoping that their voices would inspire change. Amy Schumer’s insistence on demanding equality at such a young age echoes this ancient rebellion against silence—a rebellion that has shaped the course of human history.

Schumer’s story speaks to the power of raising one's voice in the face of inequality. From the age of five, she intuitively understood that the world could be changed if the injustices that surrounded her were acknowledged. Children, though often dismissed, have a deep sense of fairness and justice. Their calls for equality are not tainted by the compromises that adulthood often brings. When a child speaks up, it is a pure and unfiltered cry for what is right, much like the calls for justice made by the ancient philosophers or the prophets in history. Schumer believed that simply bringing attention to an injustice could ignite the spark for change—a belief that has proven true in the countless movements throughout history, from the civil rights struggle to modern-day fights for gender equality.

Consider, children, the life of Joan of Arc, the young peasant girl who, like Schumer, believed in equality and justice at a young age. Joan, though only a teenager, was driven by a profound sense of righteousness, and she spoke out against the oppression of her people. She did not allow the limitations placed upon her by society to stop her from voicing her vision of a better world. Her call for freedom and justice for France, despite her youth, was a call for equality—a belief that could change the fate of a nation. She stood before the king and his court, demanding that they recognize the rightful place of the French people, just as Schumer stood up for the equality of women and marginalized groups. Joan’s courage, like Schumer’s, illustrates the profound impact that a single voice, raised in justice, can have on the course of history.

Schumer's statement also calls attention to the role of visibility in social change. The golden rule—that we should treat others as we wish to be treated—requires us to first acknowledge the wrongs in society. Amy Schumer believes that change begins with calling attention to inequality, for once it is seen, it can no longer be ignored. The ancients, too, understood that awareness is the first step toward transformation. In the Roman Empire, philosophers and statesmen like Cicero used their influence to speak out against the corruption of the ruling class, believing that the moral voice could inspire change. They recognized that for equality and justice to flourish, they first needed to be named and confronted. Schumer follows in this tradition, using her platform to raise awareness about the inequalities that persist in our world.

The lesson we can take from Amy Schumer’s words is that equality is not a passive concept, but an active struggle that requires constant vigilance and action. Just as Joan of Arc demanded justice for her people, or Cicero called out the corruption of Rome, we must raise our voices against the inequalities that continue to plague our society. Schumer teaches us that even at a young age, we can see what is wrong in the world and have the courage to speak out, knowing that change begins when we bring attention to what needs to be fixed. Equality is not something that can be achieved quietly—it is a fight that requires each of us to speak truth to power, to challenge the status quo, and to demand what is right for all people.

So, children, let Amy Schumer’s story guide you: do not be silent in the face of inequality. Demand that the wrongs of the world be recognized and corrected. Whether you are five years old or fifty, your voice matters. Let the ancient voices of justice and equality resonate in your hearts, and know that by speaking out, by raising awareness, you are part of the long tradition of those who have fought for a better, more equal world. In every moment, remember that equality is not just a dream—it is a call to action, a demand that we make the world a place where all people, regardless of their gender, race, or status, are treated with dignity and respect.