Chapter 4.
Physical force is perhaps the most recognisable form of power, its use being both empowering and contentious. From the raw struggle for survival to the immense potential of human-engineered forces, physical might manifests in myriad forms. It is a fundamental aspect of life throughout the animal kingdom, not just for humans. Across all species, physical capabilities—strength, speed, size, and even the ability to withstand force—are primary determinants of survival and social standing.
In countless animal societies, physical prowess establishes dominance. Wolf packs, for instance, maintain their hierarchy through aggression, controlling resources and mates. The clashing antlers of male deer during rutting season directly determine reproductive success. Even in birds, securing nesting sites often hinges on physical dominance or its credible threat. Predation further underscores the primacy of physical power. Lions use their strength and coordinated strategies to bring down prey, while eagles rely on sharp talons and powerful flight. The evolutionary arms race between predator and prey is a testament to the selective pressures favouring physical attributes that enhance either the ability to exert or evade force. Camouflage, speed, and defensive weaponry like quills are all physical adaptations shaped by this dynamic. The establishment of territories often involves physical displays or the implicit threat of force. Territorial songs of birds and aggressive boundary marking of mammals send a clear message of physical capability. This is the fundamental currency in the struggle for survival and reproductive success, a visceral reality that underpins more complex social interactions.
Physical power doesn’t always need to be actively exerted; its display can be equally potent. A peacock’s grand tail feathers, for instance, signal genetic fitness and dominance to potential mates. Similarly, the puffing out of chests, baring of teeth, and raising of hackles in mammals communicate potential aggression to deter rivals without costly conflict.
Just as animals signal power, humans project an image of physical might through elaborate adornment. Body paint has transformed the human visage into something more fearsome or imposing, from ancient warriors preparing for battle to indigenous tribes engaging in ritual displays. Elaborate headdresses and masks add to a person’s apparent size, creating an impression of immense power, while obscuring individual identity. Even subtle adornments can project physical power. Animal pelts or teeth symbolise the animal’s strength, transferring that perceived power to the wearer. Overt items like codpieces also played into notions of virility and physical potency. These visual cues demonstrate that the perception of might can be as influential as its actual application, tapping into deep-seated psychological responses.
While the animal kingdom relies on physical attributes, human power is far more complex. Our unique cognitive abilities have allowed us to mediate interactions through intelligence, strategy, and social structures, moving beyond brute strength. The true measure of human might lies in our capacity for innovation and our ability to outmanoeuvre. The enduring myth of David and Goliath illustrates this: the seemingly weaker David, armed with ingenuity, triumphs over Goliath, whose power lay in size and brute strength, demonstrating that it is not always the biggest muscle that wins.
David’s triumph highlights the significance of skill and technique in physical contests. Power isn’t just raw force; it’s amplified by precision and control. A skilled fighter directs their energy with focused intent, maximising impact and minimising wasted effort, a stark contrast to the exhaustion of aimless lashing out.
Self-restraint, the ability to channel force deliberately, is a key component of effective physical power. It allows for calculated movements, exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses and conserving energy. Mastery of technique often involves redirection—using an opponent’s own power against them. By subtly shifting their balance, a skilled individual can turn an opponent’s strength into a vulnerability. The principles of Judo or Aikido exemplify this, where an attacker’s force is guided and redirected, leading to their downfall. This ability to ‘borrow’ an opponent’s power is a hallmark of refined skill, showcasing a more intelligent application of force than relying on brute strength alone. Understanding the dynamics of motion and leverage can be a more potent form of power than sheer muscularity.
Beyond brute strength and refined technique, other physical attributes contribute to human power. Speed and agility can be decisive in confrontations. A nimble boxer, for example, can evade powerful blows while creating openings for their own precise strikes. This agility transforms mere physical presence into an elusive form of power. Endurance, the capacity to sustain physical exertion, is a crucial advantage. In a prolonged struggle, the individual who can continue to exert force as their opponent tires often gains the upper hand. The gruelling marches of ancient armies, for instance, demonstrate how sustained physical capacity could determine the outcome of a campaign. The capacity to withstand pain is another underestimated facet of physical power. The individual who can function effectively despite injury or discomfort possesses a significant advantage. This mental fortitude allows them to push through limitations that would incapacitate others. Legendary accounts of King Arthur, who fought on despite grievous wounds, show how willpower can amplify remaining physical capabilities.
Coordination and dexterity, the precise use of one’s body, can also translate to surprising forms of power. The intricate movements of a skilled surgeon, the steady hand of a marksman, or the fluid motion of a climber all demonstrate how refined physical control can be a potent force. Even the straightforward attribute of size has nuances in the human context. While raw mass is intimidating, its effectiveness is mediated by leverage and reach. A taller individual who understands how to use their longer limbs can control distance and apply force more effectively. This understanding of biomechanics moves beyond simple muscle mass.
The modern manifestations of physical might are most evident in organised sport and gym culture. Sport provides a structured arena where physical power—strength, speed, agility, and endurance—is meticulously cultivated and tested. Athletes dedicate themselves to honing these attributes to achieve peak performance, from the explosive power of a sprinter to the stamina of a marathon runner. Competition in sports serves as a formalised “display of power,” where individuals and teams project their dominance. The emphasis on skill and technique—from a footballer’s precise kick to a gymnast’s intricate movements—underscores that power in sport is rarely about brute strength alone, but rather its intelligent application. The ability to withstand pain and maintain focus under duress is also a celebrated form of resilience in athletic prowess, demonstrating how mental fortitude amplifies physical capabilities.
The inherent value of physical prowess is echoed in the huge following of sport. Global fan bases for major sports reach billions, and in the UK, sport continues to drive significant viewing. For instance, nearly a billion hours of sport were watched on Sky in the last six months of 2024, with football maintaining its top position and an 8% year-on-year increase in viewership. Complementing sport, the rise of gym culture reflects a widespread individual pursuit of physical enhancement. Gyms are dedicated spaces for building muscle and improving cardiovascular health, a direct modern expression of seeking physical might. This thriving industry has over 184 million global members, with UK membership at 11.5 million people (a 16.9% penetration rate). The resulting physique serves as a contemporary form of adornment, projecting an image of strength and discipline. For many, the gym is a personal laboratory for amplifying their physical capabilities, driven by a desire for improved health and social signalling.
The cognitive revolution fundamentally reshaped human physical power through toolmaking. The archaeological record of Blombos Cave, for instance, reveals sophisticated Still Bay points, which were extensions of human force capable of bringing down prey with greater efficiency. Howiesons Poort technology also demonstrated an understanding of leverage that transcended the limitations of bare hands. These early technological leaps underscore a crucial truth: the story of human physical power cannot be told without acknowledging the transformative impact of tools. Even rudimentary tools can exponentially amplify our physical capabilities. A sharpened stone, for example, transforms the fundamental act of tearing flesh. A hurled stone extends reach, a stick becomes a lever, and a shield can negate a powerful blow. This ability to create and wield tools has irrevocably altered the landscape of human power, moving us beyond the constraints of our biological form.
The collective physical power of human beings is a force multiplier of immense potential. A well-drilled team can lift objects far beyond any individual’s capability. A disciplined military formation, acting in unison, can exert a force greater than the sum of its individual strengths. This coordinated application of power is a recurring theme throughout human history.
From the primal displays of dominance in animals to the nuanced expressions of power in human societies, the ability to exert, resist, and amplify force remains fundamental. While humanity has developed layers of social and political power, the underlying reality of might and muscle continues to shape our world in undeniable ways.
A dangerous complacency has emerged in some liberal democracies, fostering the belief that freedom is a given and that robust security is unnecessary. This overlooks the stark reality that the very freedoms we cherish are often fragile and contested. As history and contemporary events show, these hard-won liberties are frequently threatened by those who seek to control through brute force or the insidious dismantling of democratic institutions—a phenomenon analysed by thinkers like Hannah Arendt and Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. The neglect of physical security and a collective understanding of its importance can leave societies vulnerable. When the capacity to defend against aggression is diminished, the abstract ideals of freedom can become meaningless. History is full of examples of societies that fell because they failed to counteract direct threats. Yascha Mounk has argued that this complacency about the inherent strength of liberal values poses a grave risk to the future of free societies.
The lessons from history are stark: even in an age of complex governance, the capacity for physical coercion—and the preparedness to defend against it—remains an undeniable component of power. This capability directly impacts whether our societies remain free. It is a fundamental safeguard, ensuring that the ability to exert or resist force underpins all other forms of power and protects our liberties. This vital truth echoes the insights of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who understood that a lasting peace is never a given. It demands constant cultivation and defence, not mere assumption. For campaigners, recognising this enduring reality of physical power is crucial for safeguarding freedom in a turbulent world.
Next Chapter: Faith: Making Sense of the Unknown
Bibliography
Arendt, Hannah. The Origins of Totalitarianism. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973.
Carothers, Thomas and Press, Benjamin. Various essays and research from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Journal of Democracy.
Fücks, Ralf. Defending Freedom: How We Can Win the Fight for an Open Society. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2017.
Gearty, Conor. Liberty and Security. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2013.
Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Edited by C.B. Macpherson. London: Penguin Classics, 1968.
Kant, Immanuel. Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay. New York: Dover Publications, 2003.
Levitsky, Steven and Ziblatt, Daniel. How Democracies Die. New York: Crown, 2018.
Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. Edited by Peter Laslett. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988.
Mounk, Yascha. The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2018.
Seltzer, Nicholas A. and Wilson, Steven Lloyd (eds). Handbook on Democracy and Security. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2023.