If we could suppose a great multitude of men to consent to…
“If we could suppose a great multitude of men to consent to the observation of justice, and other laws of Nature, without a common Power to keep them all in awe; we might as well suppose all mankind to do the same; and then there neither would be nor need to be any civil government or commonwealth at all, because there would be Peace without subjection.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He argues that without a common power, people would naturally observe justice and natural law, making government unnecessary, but this is an idealized view.
In simple terms: Without authority, people might self‑govern peacefully.
Key Takeaway
Consider limits of self‑governance.
Themes
political theory
human nature
law
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- philosophical
- governance
Key Concepts
social contract
anarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can societies truly self‑regulate without coercion?
- What mechanisms enforce justice?
A Different Perspective
Idealism overlooks power dynamics.