Montesquieu quotes

Montesquieu was a French political philosopher best known for his theory of the separation of powers. His works, such as "The Spirit of the Laws," had a profound influence on modern democratic government. He inspired countless thinkers and helped shape the foundations of constitutional law. Here are 93 of his quotes:

There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law. (Montesquieu)

If one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.

Montesquieu

An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone.

Montesquieu

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise.

Montesquieu

There is only one thing that can form a bond between men, and that is gratitude... we cannot give someone else greater power over us than we have ourselves.

Montesquieu

Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?

Montesquieu

You have to study a great deal to know a little.

Montesquieu

I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.

Montesquieu

If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman... because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French.

Montesquieu

We should weep for men at their birth, not at their death.

Montesquieu

Useless laws weaken the necessary laws. (Montesquieu)

To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.

Montesquieu

The success of most things depends upon knowing how long it will take to succeed.

Montesquieu

People here argue about religion interminably, but it appears that they are competing at the same time to see who can be the least devout.

Montesquieu

Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer.

Montesquieu

Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature.

Montesquieu

Life was given to me as a favor, so I may abandon it when it is one no longer.

Montesquieu

There are only two cases in which war is just: first, in order to resist the aggression of an enemy, and second, in order to help an ally who has been attacked.

Montesquieu

Solemnity is the shield of idiots.

Montesquieu

Friendship is an arrangement by which we undertake to exchange small favors for big ones.

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)

The majority of men are more capable of great actions than of good ones.

Montesquieu

An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations.

Montesquieu

The less men think, the more they talk.

Montesquieu

[The Pope] will make the king believe that three are only one, that the bread he eats is not bread...and a thousand other things of the same kind.

Montesquieu

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Montesquieu

Montesquieu - Image

Occupation: French Philosopher
Born: January 18, 1689
Died: February 10, 1755
Quotes count: 93
Wikipedia: Montesquieu

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