Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression. Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes by Baron de Montesquieu More Quotes From Baron de Montesquieu Vitam Impendere Vero (I consecrate my life to truth). Baron de Montesquieu Mediocrity is a hand-rail. Baron de Montesquieu confidence mediocrity hands 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 proportion rewards nature There is still another inconvenieney in conquests made by democracies; their government is ever odious to the conquered states. It is apparently monarchical, but in reality it is more oppressive than monarchy, as the experience of all ages and countries evinces. Baron de Montesquieu government country reality At our coming into the world we contract an immense debt to our country, which we can never discharge. Baron de Montesquieu debt country world A rational army would run away. Baron de Montesquieu army running war 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 divorce given moments Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us. Baron de Montesquieu aunt east believe Vanity is as advantageous to a government as pride is dangerous. To be convinced of this we need only represent, on the one hand,the numberless benefits which result from vanity, as industry, the arts, fashions, politeness, and taste; and on the other, the infinite evils which spring from the pride of certain nations, a laziness, poverty, a total neglect of everything. Baron de Montesquieu fashion spring art One more organ or one less in our body would give us a different intelligence. In fact, all the established laws as to why our body is a certain way would be different if our body were not that way. Baron de Montesquieu body law giving Love of the republic in a democracy, is a love of the democracy; love of the democracy is that of equality. Love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality. Baron de Montesquieu equality democracy People here argue about religion interminably, but it appears that they are competing at the same time to see who can be the least devout. Baron de Montesquieu arguing people religion If you would be holy, instruct your children, because all the good acts they perform will be imputed to you. Baron de Montesquieu holy would-be children When a government is arrived to that degree of corruption as to be incapable of reforming itself, it would not lose much by being new moulded. Baron de Montesquieu degrees corruption government Life was given to me as a favor, so I may abandon it when it is one no longer. Baron de Montesquieu given favors may The severity of the laws prevents their execution. Baron de Montesquieu execution philosophical law If you run after wit, you will succeed in catching folly. Baron de Montesquieu catching succeed running As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness; equality ceases, and then commences the state of war. Baron de Montesquieu equality men war The law of nations is naturally founded on this principle, that different nations ought in time of peace to do one another all the good they can, and in time of war as little injury as possible, without prejudicing their real interests. Baron de Montesquieu real law war Peace is a natural effect of trade. Baron de Montesquieu philosophical trade natural