In the state of nature... all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality. Society makes them lose it, and they recover it only by the protection of the law. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
When the savages of Louisiana wish to have fruit, they cut the tree at the bottom and gather the fruit. That is exactly a… — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
Political liberty in a citizen is that tranquillity of spirit which comes from the opinion each one has of his security, and in order… — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
It is rare to find learned men who are clean, do not stink and have a sense of humour. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
When virtue is banished, ambition invades the minds of those who are disposed to receive it and avarice possesses the whole community. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
A good writer does not write as people write, but as he writes. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
Christianity stamped its character on jurisprudence; for empire has ever a connection with the priesthood. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
The prejudices of superstition are superior to all others, and have the strongest influence on the human mind. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
Republics are brought to their ends by luxury; monarchies by poverty. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
Laws, in their most general signification, are the necessary relations derived from the nature of things. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
The crime against nature will never make any great progress in society unless people are prompted to it by some particular custom. — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
When a government is arrived to that degree of corruption as to be incapable of reforming itself, it would not lose much by being… — Baron de Montesquieu Copy Share Image
