The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUThe wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEULife was given to me as a favor, so I may abandon it when it is one no longer.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUCertain kinds of foolishness are such that a greater foolishness would be better.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUCountries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUCountries are not cultivated in proportion to their fertility, but to their liberty.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUWhen one wants to change manners and customs, one should not do so by changing the laws.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUNature is just to all mankind, and repays them for their industry. She renders them industrious by annexing rewards in proportion to their labor.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUWhen we seek after wit, we discover only foolishness.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUVanity and pride of nations; vanity is as advantageous to a government as pride is dangerous.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUThe less luxury there is in a republic, the more it is perfect.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUFriendship is an arrangement by which we undertake to exchange small favors for big ones.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUIt is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUIt is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUIf triangles had a god, he would have three sides.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUVirtue is necessary to a republic.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUPolitical liberty is to be found only in moderate governments.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEU