Equality: Better for our souls?

Above are writers/epidemiologists Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett.

Nicholas D. Kristof, a New York Times columnist, begins his January 1st article with a quote from the famous writer, John Steinback, who stated that "a sad soul can kill you quicker, far quicker, than a germ." Not only did epidemiologists confirm this statement, but Kristof took it to the another level and connected it to America's social statuses. In his article, he writes that evidence strongly suggests that inequality does not only affect us on an economic level, but also on a deeper, more personal level. While this may seem a little obvious, Kristof goes on to mention the high crime rates, narcotics use, teenage birthrates, and number of those who heart diseases among those who have lower incomes than others.
Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, two well-known British epidemiologists, have written a book about the entire problem, titled The Spirit Level. The two authors assert, and offer overwhelming evidence, that "gross inequality tears at the human psyche, creating anxiety, distrust and an array of mental and physical ailments" (from the article, Equality, a True Soul Food by Kristof). They argue that avoiding the high level of inequality in this country will just lead to the demand for more prisons and police force. In addition to this potential need for more law enforcement, there will also be increased rates of mental illness, crime, drug abuse, and other problems that are detrimental and disastrous to individuals themselves, and to the country as a whole. 
It is not a surprising fact that humans are considered to be "social animals" whose mental health revolves around how they are compared to others. We have learned in Economics that people most likely tend to only be happy when they are seen as better off than others. For example, even those who have a low income will see themselves as better off if they know that others are doing much worse than there are. There have been numerous studies to prove this assertion about humans, such as a longitudinal study that involved British civil servants (i.e. doormen, messengers) who were merely observed over a considerable period of time. Unfortunately, the results were that the participants, all of whom were of low status, were "much more likely to die of heart disease, suicide and some cancers and had substantially worse overall health," according to Kristof's article. While Kristof proceeds to offer more evidence, he also acknowledges that fact that there will never be a way for humans to be equal in ability. While he admits this, he goes on to suggest that inequality in this country does not have to be as cruel as it is. I wholeheartedly agree with his statement. 
It is incredibly disheartening to find oneself looked down upon by others and to agree with their views of you. Not only does it hurt our pride, but it also forces us to question our own self-worth. We see this type of inequality everywhere: in public places (such as restaurants, shopping centers), schools, businesses, etc. But what can we do about it? It is difficult not to compare ourselves to others, to not look at someone else and think about what they have that you do not have or about what you have that they do not have. It is difficult to not feel at least some pang of hurt when you realize that you cannot afford something that another person can or when you start to believe that you are truly less important than someone else. Our society has molded us to become judge our status based on others, and so, for the most part, that damage is done.  
Kristof pushes for changes in national policy for this new year. While I agree that there are some policies that need changes, I also believe that some of this overbearing inequality can be challenged on an individual level. Not all damage is permanent, and I think that perhaps, even if it does not make considerable difference on a national level, we should all try to refrain from judging one another. Take into consideration each other's home conditions and state of minds. There's really no use for any of us to be silently turning against one another, even if it is just for a second and even if it is just a small comment. I hope all of you keep that in mind.