In the infancy of societies, the chiefs of state shape its institutions; later the institutions shape the chiefs of state. Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes by Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes From Baron de Montesquieu Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations. Baron de Montesquieu statesdifferentwar In the birth of societies it is the chiefs of states who give it its special character; and afterward it is this special character that forms the chiefs of state. Baron de Montesquieu leadershipgivingcharacter There is hardly any grief that an hour's reading will not dissipate. Baron de Montesquieu hoursgriefreading Society is the union of men and not the men themselves. Baron de Montesquieu societyangermen No kingdom has shed more blood than the kingdom of Christ. Baron de Montesquieu philosophicalkingdomsblood Slowness is frequently the cause of much greater slowness. Baron de Montesquieu slownessgreatercauses Honor sets all the parts of the body politic in motion, and by its very action connects them; thus each individual advances the public good, while he only thinks of promoting his own interest. Baron de Montesquieu bodyhonorthinking The laws do not take upon them to punish any other than overt acts. Baron de Montesquieu law The public business must be carried on with a certain motion, neither too quick nor too slow. Baron de Montesquieu certain The crime against nature will never make any great progress in society unless people are prompted to it by some particular custom. Baron de Montesquieu progresscrimepeople Certain kinds of foolishness are such that a greater foolishness would be better. Baron de Montesquieu certainkindwould-be Europe is a state with several provinces Baron de Montesquieu stateseuropecountry It is always the adventurers who do great things, not the sovereigns of great empires. Baron de Montesquieu empiresgreatnessadventure The English are busy folk; they have no time in which to be polite. Baron de Montesquieu politebusytime Friendship is an arrangement by which we undertake to exchange small favors for big ones. Baron de Montesquieu favorsbigsfriendship Man, as a physical being, is like other bodies governed by invariable laws. Baron de Montesquieu humanitylawmen Republics end through luxury; monarchies through poverty. Baron de Montesquieu republicluxurytyrants Republics are brought to their ends by luxury; monarchies by poverty. Baron de Montesquieu republicluxurypoverty We ought to be very cautious in the prosecution of magic and heresy. The attempt to put down these two crimes may be extremely perilous to liberty, and may be the origin of a number of petty acts of tyranny if the legislator be not on his guard; for as such an accusation does not bear directly on the overt acts of a citizen, but refers to the idea we entertain of his character. Baron de Montesquieu charactertwoideas To lend money without interest, is certainly an action laudable and extremely good; but it is obvious, that it is only a counsel of religion, and not a civil law. Baron de Montesquieu lendinglawaction
