When we seek after wit, we discover only foolishness.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUFalse happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared.
More Baron de Montesquieu Quotes
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People here argue about religion interminably, but it appears that they are competing at the same time to see who can be the least devout.
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An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war.
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Fain would I glide down a gentle river, but I am carried away by a torrent.
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Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.
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The laws do not take upon them to punish any other than overt acts.
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There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.
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Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.
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Peace is a natural effect of trade.
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Every man who has power is impelled to abuse it.
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When a government lasts a long while, it deteriorates by insensible degrees. Republics end through luxury, monarchies through poverty.
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There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.
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Men in excess of happiness or misery are equally inclined to severity. Witness conquerors and monks! It is mediocrity alone, and a mixture of prosperous and adverse fortune that inspire us with lenity and pity.
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Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression.
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Great commanders write their actions with simplicity; because they receive more glory from facts than from words.
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With truths of a certain kind, it is not enough to make them appear convincing: one must also make them felt. Of such kind are moral truths.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEU