“There should be weeping at a man’s birth, not at his death.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“There should be weeping at a man’s birth, not at his death.”
Explanation
Montesquieu offers a somber and philosophical reversal of customary emotion, suggesting that sorrow should accompany the beginning of life, not its end. This view reflects a deep awareness of the suffering, injustice, and moral challenges that often characterize human existence. To be born is to enter a world marked by toil, uncertainty, and inevitable pain—thus, birth merits mourning.
This thought echoes ancient Stoic and early Christian ideas, where life was seen as a trial or exile, and death as a return or release. Montesquieu, writing during the Enlightenment, was acutely aware of the cruelties of war, political oppression, and social inequality. His statement underscores the idea that the real tragedy is not that people die, but that they must endure the burdens of life, often shaped by forces beyond their control.
In modern times, this quote encourages reflection on the conditions into which people are born—poverty, violence, environmental decay, or systemic injustice. It challenges societies to make life more worthy of celebration by ensuring dignity, freedom, and well-being for all. Montesquieu’s insight is not a condemnation of life itself, but a call to improve it so that birth can truly be met with joy, not sorrow.
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