Whoever desires to found a state and give it laws, must…
“Whoever desires to found a state and give it laws, must start with assuming that all men are bad and ever ready to display their vicious nature, whenever they may find occasion for it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
To create a state, one must assume people are inherently selfish and ready to act viciously when opportunity arises.
In simple terms: Assume people are selfish when building laws.
Key Takeaway
Design institutions that curb selfish impulses.
Themes
politics
human nature
law
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government formation
- legal frameworks
- societal governance
Key Concepts
realism
cynicism
statecraft
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws encourage virtue alongside control?
- What balance exists between trust and suspicion in governance?
A Different Perspective
Overly pessimistic view may ignore cooperative potential.