Quote

The wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.

Baron de Montesquieu

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Baron de Montesquieu
Wickedness
Suppose
Necessary
Mankind
Law
Makes
Better
Really

More quotes by Baron de Montesquieu

Image
As men are affected in all ages by the same passions, the occasions which bring about great changes are different, but the causes are always the same.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
I never listen to calumnies, because if they are untrue I run the risk of being deceived, and if they be true, of hating persons not worth thinking about.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Vitam Impendere Vero (I consecrate my life to truth).
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
There is something in animals beside the power of motion. They are not machines they feel.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Lunch kills half of Paris, supper the other half.
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
Men, who are rogues individually, are in the mass very honorable people.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
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.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
When God endowed human beings with brains, He did not intend to guarantee them.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Solemnity is the shield of idiots
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Luxury ruins republics poverty, monarchies.
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
I have ever held it as a maxim never to do that through another which it was impossible for me to execute myself
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
When the [law making] and [law enforcement] powers are united in the same person... there can be no liberty.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
You have to study a great deal to know a little.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
Virtue in a republic is the love of one's country, that is the love of equality.
Baron de Montesquieu
Image
The less men think, the more they talk.
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
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.
Baron de Montesquieu