> the idea that "all men are equal" is not really true in Europe.

It's not really true in reality. Some folks are stronger, some faster, some more intelligent, some have more social connections, some are more charismatic. Even if we lived in a Harrison Bergeron dystopia there would be some inequality somewhere.

I kind of admire an idealised British system which recognises inequality and attempts to channel it to good ends. I think the House of Lords as it was prior to 1911 made a lot of sense; I think that the honours system makes a lot of sense. I think that there's a lot to be said for having a monarch who is powerful in theory but weak in practice and a prime minister who is weak in theory although powerful in practice.