Quotes by Montesquieu

About Montesquieu:

Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu is famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, which is implemented in many constitutions throughout the world. He did more than any other author to secure the place of the word despotism in the political lexicon.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Democratic and aristocratic states are not in their own nature free. Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments; and even in these it is not always found. It is there only when there is no abuse of power. But constant experience sh...

Montesquieu

Every man is capable of doing good to another, but to contribute to the happiness of an entire society is to become akin to the gods

Montesquieu

History is full of religious wars; but, we must take care to observe, it was not the multiplicity of religions that produced these wars, it was the intolerating spirit which animated that one which thought she had the power of governing.

Montesquieu

The desire for glory is no different from that instinct for preservation that is common to all creatures. It is as if we enhance our being if we can gain a place in the memory of others; it is a new life that we acquire, which becomes as precious to ...

Montesquieu

In vain do we seek tranquility in the desert; temptations are always with us; our passions, represented by the demons, never let us alone: those monsters created by the heart, those illusions produced by the mind, those vain specters that are our err...

Montesquieu

What unhappy beings men are! They constantly waver between false hopes and silly fears, and instead of relying on reason they create monsters to frighten themselves with, and phantoms which lead them astray.

Montesquieu

I can assure you that no kingdom has ever had as many civil wars as the kingdom of Christ.

Montesquieu

Aimer lire, c'est faire un échange des heures d'ennui contre des heures délicieuses.

Montesquieu

We receive three educations, one from our parents, one from our school masters, and one from the world. The third contradicts all that the first two teach us.

Montesquieu

A truly virtuous man would come to the aid of the most distant stranger as quickly as to his own friend. If men were perfectly virtuous, they wouldn’t have friends.

Montesquieu

Author Bio

  • NameMontesquieu
  • DescriptionFrench social commentator and political thinker
  • AliasesCharles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu; Charles-Louis de Secondat
  • BornJanuary 18, 1689
  • DiedFebruary 10, 1755
  • CountryFrance
  • ProfessionPhilosopher; Writer; Novelist
  • AwardsFellow Of The Royal Society