Alms Quote by Baron de Montesquieu
“The alms given to a naked man in the street do not fulfil the obligations of the state, which owes to every citizen a certain subsistence, a proper nourishment, convenient clothing, and a kind of life not incompatible with health.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Spirit of the Laws, 1748
The state must provide basic welfare, not just charity to individuals.
In simple terms: Government must ensure citizens' basic needs.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize public welfare over ad‑hoc almsgiving.
Themes
social contract
welfare
state responsibility
justice
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy
- social safety nets
- urban poverty
- healthcare provision
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How should modern states balance taxation and welfare?
- What are the limits of private charity?
A Different Perspective
Charity cannot replace systematic state obligations.
![“Give a drink of water as alms to the birds which go forth at morning, and deem that they have a better right than men [to thy charity]. For their race brings not harm upon thee in any wise, when thou fearest it from thine own race.” quote by Al-Maʿarri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/915/al-ma-arri-47224_alms_give-a-drink-of-water-as-alms-to-the-bir_171746.jpg)