Necessity Quote by Montesquieu
““If a human creature is composed of two beings, and if the acknowledgment of the necessity of preserving their union is the chief mark of submission to the decrees of our Creator, that necessity should be made a religious law; and if the enforced preservation of this union will make men more responsible for their actions, it should be made a civil law.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De l'Esprit des Lois, 1748
Union of partners should be protected both religiously and civically to promote responsibility.
In simple terms: Protecting unions encourages responsible behavior.
Key Takeaway
Support laws that uphold partnership stability.
Themes
law
morality
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- policy debates
- family law reforms
Key Concepts
social contract
civil law
Questions to Reflect On
- How do laws influence personal responsibility?
- What balance between religious and civil law is ideal?
A Different Perspective
Cultural differences may affect acceptance of such laws.
![“[92] Plato, in his fourth book of Laws, says that the præfectures of music and gymnic exercises are the most important employments in the city; and, in his Republic, iii, Damon will tell you, says he, what sounds are capable of corrupting the mind with base sentiments, or of inspiring the contrary…” quote by Montesquieu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/316/montesquieu-19593_books_92-plato-in-his-fourth-book-of-laws-says_1724267.jpg)
