There is no nation so powerful, as the one that obeys its laws not from principals of fear or reason, but from passion. Montesquieu More Quotes by Montesquieu More Quotes From Montesquieu The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles. Montesquieu begins always government principles It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption. Montesquieu corruption mature age people False happiness renders men stern and proud, and that happiness is never communicated. True happiness renders them kind and sensible, and that happiness is always shared. Montesquieu true-happiness proud happiness men 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. Montesquieu man slavery power life A man should be mourned at his birth, not at his death. Montesquieu his man birth death 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. Montesquieu good time war peace Life was given to me as a favor, so I may abandon it when it is one no longer. Montesquieu favor me may life The less men think, the more they talk. Montesquieu less more talk think men In most things success depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed. Montesquieu things succeed success long I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise. Montesquieu fool succeed wise world When the body of the people is possessed of the supreme power, it is called a democracy. Montesquieu democracy politics power people Weak minds exaggerate too much the wrong done to the Africans. Montesquieu wrong too-much done weak If we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, and that is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are. Montesquieu be-happy think happy people Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them? Montesquieu think you god religion
