“Men should be bewailed at their birth, and not at their death.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“Men should be bewailed at their birth, and not at their death.”
Explanation
Montesquieu presents a stark philosophical reflection on the nature of human life, suggesting that birth, not death, is the moment worthy of sorrow. This reversal of conventional mourning practices conveys a deep skepticism about the human condition. To be born is to enter a world of suffering, injustice, and inevitable hardship, and thus the true tragedy lies not in leaving life, but in being exposed to its trials.
This idea echoes ancient Stoic and even pre-Christian sentiments, where life was often viewed as a burden or test rather than a gift. In Montesquieu’s Enlightenment context, such a statement may also serve as a critique of the social and political realities of his time—a world filled with war, tyranny, inequality, and ignorance. By proposing that men be bewailed at birth, he forces us to reconsider what kind of world we are born into and what kind of life we are expected to endure.
Today, the quote invites reflection on the quality of life, not just its length. It challenges societies to justify the value of life by ensuring dignity, freedom, and justice from the beginning. Montesquieu’s somber insight remains relevant: if we wish to celebrate birth, we must create a world where life is truly worth living.
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