35 Baron De Montesquieu Quotes From The Inspirational French Philosopher And Revolutionary

Divya Raghav
Dec 12, 2023 By Divya Raghav
Originally Published on Feb 19, 2021
Edited by Isobel Murphy
A stamp printed in Romania shows Baron Montesquieu
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The full name of Baron de Montesquieu is Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu.

Charles de Secondat, Baron Montesquieu was born in 1689 at the Chateau de la Brede in southwest France near Bordeaux. He withdrew from the practice of law to devote himself to study and writing.

He achieved literary success with the publication of his 1721 'Persian Letters'. Politically, Montesquieu was one of the great philosophers of the enlightenment, with many influential beliefs. For example, on human nature, Montesquieu strongly believed that in the state of nature, a man was absolutely at peace.

He also had strong views on government. Charles de Secondat, Baron Montesquieu called the concept of dividing government power into three branches called the "separation of powers." He described how in doing this, the government would avoid putting an excessive amount of power with one individual or cluster of people.

According to Charles de Secondat, Baron Montesquieu, there have been three sorts of government: an autocracy (ruled by a king or queen), a republic (ruled by an elective leader), and a despotism (ruled by a dictator). Charles de Montesquieu believed that a government elective by the individuals was the most effective kind of government.

There was no evidence that Charles de Secondat, Baron Montesquieu was a socialist.

There are a lot of Baron de Montesquieu quotes that make it easier for the readers to delve deeper into his philosophies, including some hugely interesting Baron de Montesquieu quotes on human rights and government. If you like these quotes then you should definitely read these Thomas Sankara quotes and John Hancock quotes too.

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes On Separation Of Powers

Here are some of the top Baron de Montesquieu quotes on the separation of powers.

1. "There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice."

-Baron de Montesquieu, 'The Spirit Of The Laws.'

2. "Power ought to serve as a check to power."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

3. "But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

4. "Liberty is the right to do what the law permits."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

5. "It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes About Government

Here are some Baron de Montesquieu quotes on government, change, and society.

6. "If triangles had a god, they would give him three sides."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

7. "In the state of nature all men are born in equal, but they can not continue. The Society makes them lose, and they recover it only by the laws."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

8. "The love of democracy is that of equality."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

9. "Given the need for virtue in a republic and the monarchy of honor, he takes the fear in a despotic government; virtue there is no need and honor it would be dangerous."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

10. "The republic is the regime where the people as a body, or only some of the people, the sovereign power."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes About Life

Find life quotes by Baron de Montesquieu here.

11. "Men, who are rogues individually, are in the mass very honorable people."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

12 "The state of slavery is in its own nature bad."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

13. "With truths of a certain kind, it is not enough to make them appear convincing: one must also make them felt. Of such kind are moral truths."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

14. "Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours, which come to every one, for hours of delight."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

15. "Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes About Beliefs

Here are some Baron de Montesquieu quotes about his beliefs that he followed throughout his life.

16. "I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

17. "Useless laws weaken the necessary laws."

-Baron de Montesquieu, 'The Spirit Of The Laws'.

18. "Solemnity is the shield of idiots."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

19. "Very good laws may be ill-timed."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

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

-Baron de Montesquieu.

France flag on the mast

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes On Women

Here are some quotes on women by the French philosopher Montesquieu.

21. "Mediocrity is a hand-rail."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

22. "Virtue has need of limits."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

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

-Baron de Montesquieu, 'Persian Letters'.

24. "Talent is a gift which God has given us secretly, and which we reveal without perceiving it."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes About Human Nature

Here are some Montesquieu quotes in all their glory.

25. "We are so blind that we know neither when to mourn, nor when to rejoice; our mirth and our sadness are nearly always false."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

26. "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.

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

-Baron de Montesquieu.

28. "The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded.

-Baron de Montesquieu.

29. "Law should be like death, which spares no one."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

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

-Baron de Montesquieu.

Baron De Montesquieu Quotes That Represent His Philosophy

These quotes represent Baron de Montesquieu's philosophy and revolutionary ideas.

31. "Every man is capable of doing good to another, but to contribute to the happiness of an entire society is to become akin to the gods."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

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

-Baron de Montesquieu.

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

-Baron de Montesquieu.

34. "I can assure you that no kingdom has ever had as many civil wars as the kingdom of Christ."

-Baron de Montesquieu.

35. "I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage."

- Baron de Montesquieu.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotesfor everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 35 Baron de Montesquieu quotes from the inspirational French philosopher and revolutionary, then why not take a look at these Elizabeth Warren quotes, or Emiliano Zapata quotes for more great quotes from related authors?

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Written by Divya Raghav

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

Divya Raghav picture

Divya RaghavBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.

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