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Quotes by Montesquieu

Born: 18th January 1689, Died: 10th February 1755
Montesquieu was a French philosopher and jurist known for his theory of separation of powers
Welcome to our collection of quotes by Montesquieu, a prolific French philosopher and writer. Montesquieu, also known as Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, was one of the key figures of the Enlightenment era. On this page, you will find a compilation of thought-provoking quotes by Montesquieu, spanning various subjects such as politics, government, law, society, and human nature. Each quote offers a glimpse into Montesquieu's deep understanding of the intricacies of human society and his critical analysis of power dynamics. As you explore this curated selection of Montesquieu's profound insights, you will gain a greater appreciation for his philosophical contributions. His ideas on the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the importance of liberty and equality have had a significant influence on political theory and the development of modern democratic systems. Whether you are a student studying political philosophy or simply interested in insightful commentary on society and governance, this collection of Montesquieu quotes will provide you with valuable insights and perspectives. We hope that these quotes will inspire contemplation and foster a deeper understanding of the complex world we live in. Please feel free to browse through our collection and share these timeless words of wisdom with others.

There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice. Read Summary

When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner. Read Summary

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise. Read Summary

There is no nation so powerful, as the one that obeys its laws not from principals of fear or reason, but from passion. Read Summary

The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles. Read Summary

Weak minds exaggerate too much the wrong done to the Africans. Read Summary

We should weep for men at their birth, not at their death. Read Summary

But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go. Read Summary

We must have constantly present in our minds the difference between independence and liberty. Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit, and if a citizen could do what they forbid he would no longer be possessed of liberty. Read Summary

The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation. Read Summary

Law in general is human reason, inasmuch as it governs all the inhabitants of the earth: the political and civil laws of each nation ought to be only the particular cases in which human reason is applied. Read Summary

Men, who are rogues individually, are in the mass very honorable people. Read Summary

Success in the majority of circumstances depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed. Read Summary

Society is the union of men and not the men themselves. Read Summary

Liberty is the right to do what the law permits. Read Summary

Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer. Read Summary

Happy the people whose annals are tiresome. Read Summary

A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them in a century. Read Summary

Talent is a gift which God has given us secretly, and which we reveal without perceiving it. Read Summary

There is only one thing that can form a bond between men, and that is gratitude... we cannot give someone else greater power over us than we have ourselves. Read Summary