It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption. Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes by Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes From Baron de Montesquieu For a country, everything will be lost when the jobs of an economist and a banker become highly respected professions. Baron de Montesquieu jobs country bankers 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 passion age men When one wants to change manners and customs, one should not do so by changing the laws. Baron de Montesquieu law want manners Solemnity is the shield of idiots Baron de Montesquieu shields idiot stupidity If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman... because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French. Baron de Montesquieu ruins men firsts Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments. Baron de Montesquieu liberty political government It is rare to find learned men who are clean, do not stink and have a sense of humour. Baron de Montesquieu learning men science If one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier that other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are. you are comparing your lot with an ideal which is of course better and therefore you feel worse Baron de Montesquieu gratitude believe people Study has been for me the sovereign remedy against all the disappointments of life. I have never known any trouble that an hour's reading would not dissipate. Baron de Montesquieu sovereign disappointment reading Slavery, properly so called, is the establishment of a right which gives to one man such a power over another as renders him absolute master of his life and fortune. Baron de Montesquieu slavery giving men What unhappy beings men are! They constantly waver between false hopes and silly fears, and instead of relying on reason they create monsters to frighten themselves with, and phantoms which lead them astray. Baron de Montesquieu fear silly men The coffee is prepared in such a way that it makes those who drink it witty: at least there is not a single soul who, on quitting the house, does not believe himself four times wittier that when he entered it. Baron de Montesquieu coffee witty believe When a government lasts a long while, it deteriorates by insensible degrees. Republics end through luxury, monarchies through poverty. Baron de Montesquieu luxury government long Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours, which come to every one, for hours of delight. Baron de Montesquieu library reading men Power ought to serve as a check to power. Baron de Montesquieu checks ought power An injustice committed against anyone is a threat to everyone. Baron de Montesquieu threat human-rights justice Law in general is human reason, inasmuch as it governs all the inhabitants of the earth: the political and civil laws of each nation ought to be only the particular cases in which human reason is applied. Baron de Montesquieu political earth law Great commanders write their actions with simplicity; because they receive more glory from facts than from words. Baron de Montesquieu simplicity writing facts They who love to inform themselves, are never idle. Though I have no business of consequence to take care of, I am nevertheless continually employed. I spend my life in examining things: I write down in the evening whatever I have remarked, what I have seen, and what I have heard in the day: every thing engages my attention, and every thing excites my wonder: I am like an infant, whose organs, as yet tender, are strongly affected by the slightest objects. Baron de Montesquieu care writing attention The harshest tyranny is that which acts under the protection of legality and the banner of justice. Baron de Montesquieu protection tyranny justice
