"Quand il n'y a pas de pouvoir commun, il n'y a pas de loi."

Living in a society without a shared authority means there are no rules to guide us. Imagine a city without a government. No one to enforce laws, no police to keep order, no courts to settle disputes. Chaos could quickly take over because there would be no common agreement on how things should be run or who should be in charge.

This idea has been around for a long time. Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher from the 17th century, talked about it in his book "Leviathan". He believed that in the state of nature—without a powerful leader—life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short". People would act only in their self-interest, leading to conflict and disorder.

Let's take a real-life example. Think about the time after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. The disaster caused the breakdown of local government services. Police stations were flooded, communication lines were down, and law enforcement was nearly non-existent. This vacuum of power led to looting, violence, and a general sense of lawlessness. People were desperate, and without a common power to maintain order, chaos ensued.

What does this mean for you and me? It reminds us how important it is to have some form of authority to keep things in check. Whether it's the government, community leaders, or even rules within our households, we need some common power to create and enforce laws.

So, how can you apply this idea in your life? Start small. If you're part of any group—whether it's a sports team, a project at work, or even a family gathering—agree on some basic rules and appoint someone to keep things organized. It could be as simple as deciding who will lead meetings or setting clear guidelines for everyone's responsibilities. This helps keep everyone on the same page and prevents misunderstandings and conflicts.

Let’s imagine you're organizing a neighborhood watch program. Without a clear leader or set rules, it would be a mess. Everyone might have different ideas about what needs to be done and how to do it. But, if you come together, appoint a coordinator, and establish some basic rules, everything runs smoother. People know their roles, they know who to report to, and there’s a shared understanding of what the goals are. This common power and shared law keep things in order and make the neighborhood safer for everyone.

In short, having a common power and agreed-upon rules is crucial for maintaining order and achieving shared goals. Without it, we risk falling into disarray and conflict. So, whether you’re at work, at home, or in your community, remember the importance of establishing clear leadership and rules. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s essential for keeping things running smoothly.