Democracy is corrupted not only when the spirit of equality is corrupted, but likewise when they fall into a spirit of extreme equality.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEUThe coffee is prepared in such a way that it makes those who drink it witty: at least there is not a single soul who, on quitting the house, does not believe himself four times wittier that when he entered it.
More Baron de Montesquieu Quotes
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When God endowed human beings with brains, He did not intend to guarantee them.
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An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war.
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The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country.
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There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.
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The spirit of commerce… renders every man willing to live on his own property…& prevents the growth of luxury.
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As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness; equality ceases, and then commences the state of war.
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Republics are brought to their ends by luxury; monarchies by poverty.
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A fondness for reading changes the inevitable dull hours of our life into exquisite hours of delight.
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To lend money without interest, is certainly an action laudable and extremely good; but it is obvious, that it is only a counsel of religion, and not a civil law.
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Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression.
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Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.
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Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit.
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Coffee renders many foolish people temporarily capable of wise actions
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Knowledge humanizes mankind, and reason inclines to mildness; but prejudices eradicate every tender disposition.
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To succeed in the world we must look foolish but be wise.
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In the birth of societies it is the chiefs of states who give it its special character; and afterward it is this special character that forms the chiefs of state.
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The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.
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Success in the majority of circumstances depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed.
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It is unreasonable … to oblige a man not to attempt the defense of his own life.
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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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If triangles had a god, he would have three sides.
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The life of man is but a succession of vain hopes and groundless fears.
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It is rare to find learned men who are clean, do not stink and have a sense of humour.
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Liberty… is there only when there is no abuse of power.
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Political liberty in a citizen is that tranquillity of spirit which comes from the opinion each one has of his security, and in order for him to have this liberty the government must be such that one citizen cannot fear another citizen.
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Men should be bewailed at their birth, and not at their death.
BARON DE MONTESQUIEU