Single Idea 19981

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 1. Grounds of equality]

Full Idea

In monarchies and despotic states, no one aspires to equality. Not even the idea occurs; everyone aspires to superiority. People of the very lowest rank only wish to rise in order to become masters of others.

Gist of Idea

No one even thinks of equality in monarchies and despotism; they all want superiority

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 05.04)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.141