"Every man, when he comes to be sensible of his natural rights, and to feel his own importance, will consider himself as fully equal to any other person whatever"

Joseph Priestley’s observation underscores the profound transformation that occurs when individuals awaken to the recognition of their inherent natural rights. As people become aware of these rights, liberties and entitlements that exist by virtue of being human, they undergo a kind of internal revolution. The text suggests that the realization of one’s own "importance" is both personal and universal. Priestley’s point is that social hierarchies and traditional distinctions lose their justification when confronted with individual self-awareness and the understanding that every person possesses an equal claim to dignity and respect.

This passage elucidates a foundational concept in Enlightenment thinking: equality is not dependent on birth, status, or fortune, but is rooted in the very essence of being human. Priestley posits that once a person recognizes their own worth, they will naturally feel as qualified, capable, and entitled to rights as any other person. Knowledge of natural rights erodes the artificial barriers erected by tradition or power, challenging inherited systems of privilege and deference.

Furthermore, this concept is not just theoretical. It has profound practical implications for political and social relations. When people sense their equality, they become less willing to submit passively to authority or to accept social inferiority. Such an awakening fuels the quest for justice, representation, and liberty; it invites demands for fair treatment under the law and the creation of equitable institutions. It has historically propelled movements for democratic reforms and human rights by emboldening individuals to assert their place in society as equals.

Priestley’s insight ultimately affirms the radical power of self-awareness. When each person believes in their own equal standing, collective societies become more just, as they recognize the necessity of laws and practices that treat all individuals with the same respect and consideration. This sense of equality remains the bedrock of modern democratic ideals.