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We must have constantly present in our minds the difference between independence and liberty. Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit, and if a citizen could do what they forbid he would no longer be possessed of liberty.

Baron de Montesquieu

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Baron de Montesquieu
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An empire founded by war has to maintain itself by war.
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There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window.
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Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.
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Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.
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We ought to be very cautious and circumspect in the prosecution of magic and heresy. The attempt to put down these two crimes may be extremely perilous to liberty.
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It is clear that in a monarchy, where he who commands the exceution of the laws generally thinks himself above them, there is lessneed of virtue than in a popular government, where the person entrusted with the execution of the laws is sensible of his being subject to their direction.
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A rational army would run away.
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In the matter of dress one should always keep below one's ability.
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An injustice to one is a threat made to all
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When one wants to change manners and customs, one should not do so by changing the laws.
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If I knew something that would serve my country but would harm mankind, I would never reveal it for I am a citizen of humanity first and by necessity, and a citizen of France second, and only by accident
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There is still another inconvenieney in conquests made by democracies their government is ever odious to the conquered states. It is apparently monarchical, but in reality it is more oppressive than monarchy, as the experience of all ages and countries evinces.
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Man, as a physical being, is like other bodies governed by invariable laws.
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The Christian religion is a stranger to mere despotic power. The mildness so frequently recommended in the Gospel is incompatible with the despotic rage.
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I have ever held it as a maxim never to do that through another which it was impossible for me to execute myself
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Experience constantly proves that every man who has power is impelled to abuse it he goes on till he is pulled up by some limits. Who would say it! virtue even has need of limits.
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Vitam Impendere Vero (I consecrate my life to truth).
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Republics end through luxury monarchies through poverty.
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At our coming into the world we contract an immense debt to our country, which we can never discharge.
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Luxury ruins republics poverty, monarchies.
Baron de Montesquieu