“Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.”
Explanation
Montesquieu draws a crucial distinction between individuals and the collective structure they form. He argues that society is not simply a collection of people, but rather the relationships, laws, customs, and shared institutions that bind those individuals together. It is this union—the invisible framework of cooperation and mutual obligation—that defines society, not the mere physical presence of its members.
This insight reflects Montesquieu’s deep engagement with the nature of political and civil institutions, especially as articulated in The Spirit of the Laws. For him, it is the organization of power, the rule of law, and the moral fabric of interactions that transform a group into a functioning society. Without these binding principles, people may coexist but they do not form a society in the meaningful sense of the word.
In today’s world, this quote reminds us that society depends on more than population—it requires shared norms, trust, and institutional integrity. Social cohesion breaks down not when people disagree, but when the unifying bonds of respect, justice, and common purpose are eroded. Montesquieu’s observation calls us to preserve and strengthen these vital connections that make true society possible.
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