This might be considered a classic paradox: the notion that "because a country is tropical, it is underdeveloped," whereas colder countries succeed due to harsh winters that force endurance and struggle, driving development. Another perspective suggests that cold climates offer opportunities for activities like walking and enjoying nature, allowing time for reflection and sharper thinking. This idea is reinforced geographically by the observation that poverty rates are often highest near the equator, while developed countries tend to be situated farther north or south, seemingly confirming this theory.
However, when examined closely, some tropical countries do achieve prosperity, while many temperate or cold countries remain underdeveloped. So, is it truly accurate that temperature influences a nation's development and the intelligence of its people?
Historically, this idea has been passed down for a long time, starting from Aristotle (Aristotle). He claimed that humidity affects intelligence, stating that Athens was the ideal city for thinkers, while Sparta focused on physical strength rather than intellect. Later debates suggested Aristotle’s remarks might have been a jab, as the politics between these two city-states were often tense.
A thinker who seriously developed this idea was Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu (Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu). Or simply Montesquieu. This French Enlightenment philosopher, in his 1748 work The Spirit of the Laws, proposed the theory of Environmental Determinism. He explained that climate influences human biology and is a key factor shaping behavior, emotions, social conditions, and governance styles. Montesquieu did not measure intelligence by IQ; rather, he believed climate could alter perception, emotional states, and reasoning.
He described that cold weather causes bodily tissues to contract, improving blood circulation to the heart. This leads to calmness and resilience to pain or desire. People in cold regions (such as Europe) thus tend toward freedom.
Conversely, heat causes bodily tissues to expand and blood flow to slow, deteriorating the body. People in hot areas (Asia, Africa, and southern Europe) are more ruled by emotion and imagination, lacking reason and patience. Such people are easily enslaved because they lack the will to resist oppression and seek freedom (according to Montesquieu’s theory).
He also said that intermediate regions like the Middle East or Western Europe are best suited to rational intelligence, producing complex and effective governments such as republics. It is possible Montesquieu focused on ancient Greek regions, the birthplace of many important philosophers.
Richard Restak wrote in Psychology Today that heat does affect the brain, and the impact does not require extreme temperatures. Restak explained that heat reduces reasoning efficiency and thought patterns. When temperatures rise, neurotransmitter signaling between nerves becomes disrupted—either speeding up or slowing down—directly affecting mood, memory, alertness, and sleep. Heat also causes loss of electrically charged minerals through sweat, weakening the body and muscles, severely impacting attention and decision-making.
Many studies have shown heat’s harmful effects on the body. However, this does not mean a country’s economy depends solely on climate. Other factors include people, culture, politics, resources, geography, and political events. Even historically, ancient civilizations arose in tropical regions such as the Maya, Mesopotamia, and ancient Egypt.
While climate may not determine a country’s overall development, heat undeniably affects individual activities, lifestyles, and bodies. It likely explains why outdoor activities are limited, fatigue sets in quickly, and thinking and decision-making become difficult. Therefore, it can be said climate affects productivity, and appropriate life planning in hot weather—such as wearing breathable clothing and regular hydration—is important.
Montesquieu’s ideas later came to be seen as colonialist, portraying Western civilization as superior to other continents. Some used his theory to claim superiority over other ethnicities, similar to Aristotle’s earlier views. These are political propaganda called Geographical Determinism, often used as political rhetoric to justify racism. In colonial times, it was claimed that tropical peoples were lazy and therefore should be governed by temperate peoples (noting ancient Greece was also a colonial power). This rhetoric also fostered nationalism by asserting one’s own country as the world’s center and most suitable in every way.
Thus, it is not true that the climate of each continent serves as a measure of a flourishing civilization. What matters most is believing in one’s own efforts rather than relying on false rhetoric to label some countries as best or worst, or to justify superiority of any ethnicity.
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