"Unless one is inordinately fond of subordination, one is always at war"

Human beings inherently resist being subordinated, whether by individuals, institutions, or societal norms. Philip Roth’s observation suggests that most people possess an intrinsic desire for autonomy and self-determination. The phrase “inordinately fond of subordination” points to an unusual affinity for accepting orders or submitting willingly to authority; Roth considers this an exception rather than a rule. For everyone else, the imposition of hierarchy or the expectation of blind obedience feels unnatural, even suffocating.

Consequently, life becomes a perpetual confrontation, “always at war.” This war is not necessarily physical violence, but rather a constant negotiation between individual will and collective demands. At home, in workplaces, within friendships or romantic relationships, and across political systems, people often find themselves challenged by expectations to conform or defer. The friction arises from the fundamental tension between the urge to chart one’s own course and the pressure to fit into established structures. Those who resist subordination may face sanctions, criticism, or isolation, yet the alternative is acquiescence and the erosion of personal agency.

Roth’s words speak to the universality of this internal and external struggle. He implies that as long as one values independence, there will always be a measure of conflict, between self and society, between authentic desire and imposed roles. The use of “war” underscores the intensity of this dynamic; it is not a mild disagreement but a battle that shapes daily experience and personal identity. The continuous resistance to being subordinated can be exhausting, yet for many, it is essential to preserve integrity and selfhood. Roth’s insight reflects a fundamental aspect of the human condition: the ongoing fight to maintain autonomy in a world predisposed to organize and control. Thus, individuality is often forged and proven in opposition to the forces that seek to subordinate it.