Would we want a world where scientists were all "equal" or do we want to live in a world where there are a few Nikola Teslas?
Buckminster Fuller pointed out that is the top of the top of the top scientists that move the entire society forward.
A hundred normal scientists do not equal one Nikola Tesla.
A hundred normal engineers do not equal one Bucky Fuller.
Instead of working for equality, we should a two pronged approach.
Raising the minimum standard of living. Across the board.
And push the best into positions where they can perform the best they can. (which usually means keeping them fed, and giving them a lot of freedom)