We still assess learning as if recall were intelligence. From Egypt’s “Houses of Life” to Paris in 1231, this piece traces how exams became gates—and how we can reclaim learning as pursuit, not permission. Toward Equality Without Distinction.

In late-Sengoku Kyoto, a tall African arrived with the Jesuits. Nobunaga tested him, then hired and armed him. Known as Yasuke, he appears at councils and at Honnō-ji—then the record thins. This article gathers the best evidence and clears away the legend.

Real equality isn’t balancing categories—it’s refusing to need them. A philosophy that values people by choices, actions, and contributions rather than labels.

A behind-the-scenes look at our latest creative work — from new visuals and animation to the upcoming Equality Without Distinction book. Every rediscovered story is a torch we carry forward together.