Law is born from despair of human nature

Law is born from despair of human nature

José Ortega y Gasset, a Spanish philosopher and essayist, is known for his profound insights into human nature and society. One of his most famous quotes is “Law is born from despair of human nature,” which reflects his belief that laws and regulations are necessary to control and regulate human behavior because of the inherent flaws and weaknesses of human nature.

Ortega y Gasset believed that human beings are inherently flawed and prone to selfishness, greed, and violence. He argued that without laws and regulations to guide and restrain their behavior, humans would descend into chaos and anarchy. In his view, the creation of laws is a response to the realization that human nature is fundamentally flawed and that without external constraints, individuals would act in their own self-interest at the expense of others.

The idea that law is born from despair of human nature can be seen in the history of legal systems around the world. Laws and regulations have been developed over centuries in response to the need to protect individuals and society from the negative consequences of human behavior. From ancient civilizations to modern democracies, laws have been created to establish order, protect property rights, and ensure justice for all members of society.

Ortega y Gasset’s belief in the necessity of laws as a response to the flaws of human nature is also reflected in his views on the role of the state. He argued that the state exists to enforce laws and regulations that are necessary to maintain order and protect the common good. Without a strong and effective state, individuals would be left to their own devices, leading to chaos and conflict.