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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
Wisdom
Liberalism
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Extremely
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Heresy
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When the body of the people is possessed of the supreme power, it is called a democracy.
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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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Laws undertake to punish only overt acts.
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An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations.
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In the matter of dress one should always keep below one's ability.
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As virtue is necessary in a republic, and honor in a monarchy, fear is what is required in a despotism. As for virtue, it is not at all necessary, and honor would be dangerous there.
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Great commanders write their actions with simplicity because they receive more glory from facts than from words.
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An injustice to one is a threat made to all
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Slowness is frequently the cause of much greater slowness.
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A rational army would run away.
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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.
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Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them?
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Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments.
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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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The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.
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Republics come to an end by luxurious habits monarchies by poverty.
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The power of divorce can be given only to those who feel the inconveniences of marriage, and who are sensible of the moment when it is for their interest to make them cease.
Baron de Montesquieu