“Man never legislates, but destinies and accidents, happening in all sorts of ways, legislate in all sorts of ways.”
- 427 BC – 347 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher, scholar, founder of the Academy
- A student of Socrates, his works include “The Republic” and “The Symposium,” and he had a major influence on Western philosophy with his ideas and philosopher-rulership.
Quote
“Man never legislates, but destinies and accidents, happening in all sorts of ways, legislate in all sorts of ways.”
Explanation
In this quote, Plato suggests that human laws and legislation are often shaped not just by rational deliberation or purposeful planning, but by the unpredictable forces of fate and chance. He acknowledges that while humans may create laws, they are often influenced by events and circumstances beyond their control, such as accidents, historical events, or the unforeseen consequences of actions. These external forces, Plato argues, can often shape the course of events and determine the direction of societies in ways that human lawmakers cannot fully predict or control. In this sense, human laws are not the ultimate force but rather a product of a complex interplay of destiny, circumstance, and human action.
This idea aligns with Plato’s broader view of the imperfection of human systems and the complexities of the world. In works like *The Republic*, Plato explores how the ideal state is built upon the wisdom and virtue of its rulers, but he also recognizes that external forces—such as the nature of people, unforeseen events, and the changing needs of society—will always influence how laws are enacted and followed. The concept of fate or accident plays a significant role in many of Plato’s ideas, especially in terms of how individuals and societies are shaped by circumstances beyond their control, despite efforts to create order.
In modern terms, this quote speaks to the limitations of human governance and the idea that laws and policies are often influenced by factors outside the control of lawmakers. Whether in politics, business, or society at large, the unforeseen consequences of events, such as economic crises, natural disasters, or technological advancements, can dramatically alter the course of decision-making. It reminds us that while human efforts to legislate and govern are important, they must also take into account the unpredictable forces of the world, which can shift the course of history in unexpected ways.
