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 More Quotes by Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes From Baron de Montesquieu The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country. Baron de Montesquieu criminalstestscountry I shall ever repeat it, that mankind are governed not by extremes, but by principals of moderation. Baron de Montesquieu extremesmoderationmankind Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature. Baron de Montesquieu witfavorstalking Oh, how empty is praise when it reflects back to its origin! Baron de Montesquieu emptypraise The spirit of moderation should also be the spirit of the lawgiver. Baron de Montesquieu philosophicalspiritlaw
