“The reason the Romans built their great paved highways was because they had such inconvenient footwear.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“The reason the Romans built their great paved highways was because they had such inconvenient footwear.”
Explanation
Montesquieu uses humor and irony to challenge the grandeur often attributed to historical achievements by pointing to mundane, practical causes. Instead of attributing Rome’s vast network of roads to imperial vision or military strategy, he jokingly credits uncomfortable shoes. This lighthearted observation is not meant to be taken literally but serves as a satirical reminder that even great civilizations are shaped by ordinary human needs.
The quote reflects Montesquieu’s broader philosophical method, which often involved questioning accepted narratives and revealing the human, sometimes absurd, motivations behind historical developments. He frequently dissected power, tradition, and progress with wit and skepticism, showing that history is not always driven by lofty ideals, but by convenience, accident, and material necessity.
In modern interpretation, this quote is a reminder that major innovations and societal advances often emerge from addressing everyday discomforts or practical problems. Whether in technology, architecture, or policy, the human experience—right down to the shoes on our feet—can quietly influence the shape of history. Montesquieu invites us to view the past not just with reverence, but with curiosity and humor.
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