re: When did the idea that we're all "created equally" become a widely held belief?

quote:

---

created equally

This has nothing to do with everyone being created with equal potential. Absolutely. Nothing

---

I think I see what you mean by this. Obviously certain people may be born with handicaps that may limit their ability to be "equal" to another in some form or fashion. The statements intent is to state that their is no inherent difference between people just because of who they are or where they came from. We are to be equally judged based on our abilities, not on a prevonceived notion. So therefore we are not equal per se, but have the equal oppurtunuty to prove oneself.