Comment: "The state is a creation of nature and man is by nature a political animal." (Aristotle) (2011)
What did Aristotle mean when he called humans "political animals"? 🧠 Far from being just a quote in a dusty philosophy book, this idea still shapes our democracies, civil societies, grassroots movements, and even digital platforms today. In this post, we explore the natural evolution of political organization, the idea of the State as a natural institution, and how modern technology, globalization, and individualism interact with Aristotle’s enduring wisdom. Ideal for UPSC Mains GS2, PSIR Optionals & Ethics!
PSIR
8/4/20252 min read
Aristotle’s claim that “Man is by nature a political animal” captures the deep connection between human beings and their instinct to organize themselves socially and politically. This idea remains as relevant today as it was in ancient Greece—perhaps even more so in our hyper-connected, democratic, and globalized world.
🌱 Political Organization as a Natural Progression
Throughout history, human beings have moved from:
Tribes → City-states → Empires → Nation-states → Global governance forums
This evolution reflects a natural tendency for collective decision-making and survival.
🧑🤝🧑 Example: Gram Sabhas in India demonstrate grassroots democracy, where people gather to deliberate and make decisions—a living example of humans acting politically in their natural setting.
💡 Political cooperation isn’t forced—it’s fundamental.
🏛️ The State as a Natural Institution
Aristotle didn’t see the state as a man-made contract (like Hobbes or Locke) but as a natural outcome of human association.
🔍 Why?
It fulfills our needs for security, justice, order, and development.
Even in ancient civilizations—Greek city-states, Roman Republic, or Mauryan Empire—organized governance emerged as a universal feature.
🏛️ Modern Parallels:
Parliament, State Assemblies, and Panchayats mirror the natural human urge to govern collectively.
🌐 Contemporary Relevance of Aristotle’s Theory
In today’s world, Aristotle’s idea manifests in new forms:
💻 Digital Democracy:
Platforms like MyGov in India allow citizens to participate in policymaking online.
📢 Social Media & Political Expression:
People voice their views, mobilize support, and influence governance—showing our inherent political nature in a virtual space.
🧑🤝🧑 Rise of Civil Society & Movements:
Movements for climate justice, gender equality, or anti-corruption reflect the ongoing human desire to shape collective life.
⚠️ Challenges to the Idea
While Aristotle’s insight remains powerful, today’s world also brings new tensions:
🌍 Globalization & Virtual Communities:
Identity is now shaped beyond the state—by networks, markets, and global issues.
🙍 Rising Individualism:
Urban isolation, digital alienation, and hyper-individualism challenge the idea of organic community-based politics.
⚖️ Balancing Rights and Duties:
Tensions often arise between individual freedom and collective welfare, especially in multicultural or polarized societies.
✅ Conclusion: Aristotle’s Idea Lives On
Despite new challenges, humans continue to organize, govern, debate, and participate—just as Aristotle predicted.
🏆 Real-world validation:
Participatory Budgeting
Local Self-Government institutions
Online civic engagement platforms
All prove that the desire to shape collective life is still deeply embedded in human nature.
📍 Final Thought:
“Even in the age of artificial intelligence and virtual citizenship, humans remain political—by nature, by instinct, and by need.”
Also See:
Comment in 150 words: Aristotle's Concept on of Equality. (2015) - UPSC PSIR Optional
UPSC Optionals PSIR: Explain the Aristotelian view of politics. To what extent do you think it has contributed to the development of modern-day constitutional democracies? (20 m- 2021)
Discuss the differences between the theories given by Platos and Aristotle?
What are the Similarities between Plato and Aristotle?