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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.

Baron de Montesquieu

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Baron de Montesquieu
Politics
Attempt
Two
Extremely
Circumspect
May
Crime
Perilous
Magic
Prosecution
Ought
Heresy
Liberty
Cautious
Economy
Crimes
Wisdom
Liberalism

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Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression.
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I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.
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It is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power.
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Knowledge humanizes mankind, and reason inclines to mildness but prejudices eradicate every tender disposition.
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Republics end through luxury monarchies through poverty.
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There should be weeping at a man's birth, not at his death.
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Human laws made to direct the will ought to give precepts, and not counsels.
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Mediocrity is a hand-rail.
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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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When God endowed human beings with brains, He did not intend to guarantee them.
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The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.
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Trade is the best cure for prejudice.
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Nature is just to all mankind, and repays them for their industry. She renders them industrious by annexing rewards in proportion to their labor.
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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.
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