Quote

The false notion of miracles comes of our vanity, which makes us believe we are important enough for the Supreme Being to upset nature on our behalf.

Baron de Montesquieu

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Baron de Montesquieu
Important
Supreme
Believe
Miracle
Notion
Religion
Behalf
Comes
Miracles
Makes
Vanity
Nature
Upset
Enough
False

More quotes by Baron de Montesquieu

Image
When the savages of Louisiana wish to have fruit, they cut the tree at the bottom and gather the fruit. That is exactly a despotic government.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
When a government lasts a long while, it deteriorates by insensible degrees. Republics end through luxury, monarchies through poverty.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
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
Image
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
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
The love of study is in us the only lasting passion. All the others quit us in proportion as this miserable machine which holds them approaches its ruins.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Political liberty in a citizen is that tranquillity of spirit which comes from the opinion each one has of his security, and in order for him to have this liberty the government must be such that one citizen cannot fear another citizen.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them in a century.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Life was given to me as a favor, so I may abandon it when it is one no longer.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
There is no nation so powerful, as the one that obeys its laws not from principals of fear or reason, but from passion.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
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.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Man is a social animal formed to please in society.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Nature is just to all mankind, and repays them for their industry. She renders them industrious by annexing rewards in proportion to their labor.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
It is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
A fondness for reading changes the inevitable dull hours of our life into exquisite hours of delight.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
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.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
A good writer does not write as people write, but as he writes.
Baron de Montesquieu