Meaning: The quote "When Religion and Royalty are swept away, the people will attack the great, and after the great, they will fall upon the rich" by Honore de Balzac, a renowned French novelist, encapsulates the idea that in the absence of traditional sources of power and authority, societal upheaval can lead to a redistribution of power and wealth. Balzac was known for his keen observations of human nature and society, and this quote reflects his understanding of the dynamics of social change and the potential for upheaval when established systems are disrupted.

In the first part of the quote, Balzac refers to the traditional pillars of power and authority in society: religion and royalty. These institutions have historically played a significant role in shaping and maintaining social hierarchy, with religious and royal figures holding immense influence over the masses. However, Balzac suggests that when these traditional sources of authority are "swept away," it creates a power vacuum that can lead to a reordering of societal dynamics.

The next part of the quote addresses the response of the people to the absence of religion and royalty. Balzac asserts that in the wake of their removal, the people will turn their attention to "the great," a reference to the influential and powerful individuals within society. This can be interpreted as a reflection of the tendency for the masses to seek out new sources of authority and to hold those in positions of prominence accountable for their actions and influence.

Following this, Balzac predicts that after the great individuals are targeted, the focus will shift to the rich. This suggests that the redistribution of power and influence in the absence of traditional authority figures may lead to a reevaluation of wealth and privilege within society. The quote implies that the upheaval resulting from the removal of established power structures can lead to a leveling of the social hierarchy, with the rich becoming the next target of the people's scrutiny and potential retribution.

Balzac's quote reflects a deep understanding of the complexities of societal change and the potential for upheaval when traditional sources of power and authority are disrupted. It speaks to the cyclical nature of societal dynamics, where shifts in power and influence can lead to a reordering of social structures and the redistribution of wealth and authority.

In many ways, this quote remains relevant in contemporary discussions of social and political change. The idea that the removal of traditional sources of authority can lead to societal upheaval and a reevaluation of power and wealth resonates in contexts ranging from political revolutions to grassroots movements advocating for social and economic justice.

The quote also raises important questions about the nature of power and authority in society. It prompts us to consider the ways in which traditional institutions and influential individuals shape social dynamics and the potential consequences when these structures are challenged or removed.

In conclusion, Honore de Balzac's quote "When Religion and Royalty are swept away, the people will attack the great, and after the great, they will fall upon the rich" offers a thought-provoking insight into the dynamics of societal upheaval and the potential for reordering power and wealth in the absence of traditional sources of authority. Balzac's keen understanding of human nature and society is evident in this quote, which continues to resonate in discussions of social change and power dynamics.