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Famous Baron de Montesquieu Quotes
“It is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power.”
“Virtue in a republic is the love of one's country, that is the love of equality.”
“Liberty... is there only when there is no abuse of power.”
“The less luxury there is in a republic, the more it is perfect.”
“Countries are not cultivated in proportion to their fertility, but to their liberty.”
“Fain would I glide down a gentle river, but I am carried away by a torrent.”
“I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.”
“It is difficult for the united states to be all of equal power and extent.”
“Oh, how empty is praise when it reflects back to its origin!”
“Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression.”
“The history of commerce is that of the communication of the people.”
“The laws do not take upon them to punish any other than overt acts.”
“The public business must be carried on with a certain motion, neither too quick nor too slow.”
“This punishment of death is the remedy, as it were, of a sick society.”
“The life of man is but a succession of vain hopes and groundless fears.”
“To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.”