11 Quotes & Sayings By Charles De Secondat

Charles de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu (Montaigne), was an 18th-century French lawyer, man of letters, and political philosopher. He was famous for his legal and political writings, which were much more influential than his history. His ideas continue to be of importance for political theory and social thought, especially the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. His works also had a profound influence on the American Founders.

1
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. Charles De Secondat
2
Religious wars are not caused by the fact that there is more than one religion, but by the spirit of intolerance... the spread of which can only be regarded as the total eclipse of human reason. Charles De Secondat
3
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. Charles De Secondat
4
Power ought to serve as a check to power. Charles De Secondat
5
But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go. Charles De Secondat
6
When the body of the people is possessed of the supreme power, it is called a democracy. Charles De Secondat
7
The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles. Charles De Secondat
8
There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic. Charles De Secondat
9
Men, who are rogues individually, are in the mass very honorable people. Charles De Secondat
10
Society is the union of men and not the men themselves. Charles De Secondat