“As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness; equality ceases, and then commences the state of war.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness; equality ceases, and then commences the state of war.”
Explanation
Montesquieu observes that the formation of society fundamentally alters human relations—transforming natural equality into inequality and peace into potential conflict. In a natural state, humans are weak and equal in their vulnerability. But once society forms, individuals gain strength through cooperation, wealth, or power, and this shift awakens competition, ambition, and rivalry, which often leads to conflict or what he calls “a state of war.”
This idea aligns with Montesquieu’s broader theme that social and political structures both reflect and reshape human nature. Unlike some Enlightenment thinkers who believed society civilizes man, Montesquieu sees that with social structure comes hierarchy, and with hierarchy comes struggle. The law, therefore, becomes necessary not just to regulate behavior, but to preserve liberty and restore balance where natural equality has been lost.
In the modern world, this quote highlights the fragility of peace in systems marked by inequality. Whether in international relations, economic disparity, or social class conflict, Montesquieu reminds us that inequality breeds tension, and without deliberate structures to manage it, society risks descending into sustained competition or even violence. His insight calls for laws and institutions that recognize power imbalances and seek to prevent their escalation into systemic conflict.
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