Today, it is a common supposition that the great either-or alternatives of absolute freedom or absolute equality--that is, pure capitalism or perfect socialism--are no longer relevant. The democratic welfare state, where the government's intervention is moderate, is conceived as having the benefits of both capitalism and socialism. But in the welfare state, decisions must be made constantly on whether the intervention of the government should be expanded in favor of more equality, or limited in favor of more freedom. On what basis should such a decision be made? The book Freedom or Equality? may assist in selecting the desirable direction. This text conducts a comprehensive theoretical analysis based on human nature and the causes of failure or success in states where freedom or equality are fully achieved.