Baron de Montesquieu
A French judge and political philosopher whose 'The Spirit of the Laws' advocated for the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny, profoundly influencing the U.S. Constitution.
Quotes by Baron de Montesquieu
If I knew of something that would be useful to me, but harmful to my family, I would drive it from my mind. If I knew of something that would be useful to my family, but harmful to my country, I would try to forget it. If I knew of something that would be useful to my country, but harmful to Europe, I would consider it a crime; and if I knew of something that would be useful to Europe and harmful to the human race, I would consider it an even greater crime.
The climate, consequently, may be considered as one of the principal causes of the difference of the laws and customs of different nations.
In a true state of nature, all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality.
When the savages of Louisiana want to get fruit, they cut down the tree and gather the fruit. This is an emblem of despotic government.
The state of monarchy is the best, if it is well governed; but if it is not, it is the worst.
The people are extremely susceptible of impressions, and are easily led away by the passions of their leaders.
It is not the business of government to make us happy, but to prevent us from being unhappy.
The principle of monarchy is honor.
The principle of despotic government is fear.
The principle of a republic is virtue.
The laws of nature are but the laws of God.
The greatest crimes are not committed by people who are trying to get something, but by people who are trying to keep something.
The legislature should not be composed of men who are too rich, or too poor.
The people are not always able to reason, but they are always able to feel.
It is a great error to suppose that the love of liberty is the same in all countries.
The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in.
The history of all ages shows that governments, when they have been able to do so, have always abused their power.
The government is like all other things: to preserve it, we must love it.
The laws of commerce are the laws of nature, and consequently the laws of God.
The strength of a nation is in its laws.