Montesquieu Quotes

French philosopher (1689–1755)

Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu (18 January 1689 – 10 February 1755), also known as Charles de Montesquieu, was a French political thinker who lived during the Enlightenment and is famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers.

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Alternative Names: Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu • Charles-Louis de Secondat • Baron de Montesquieu • Charles Louis de Secondat de Montesquieu • De Montesquieu • Charles Louis de Montesquieu

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In a free nation, it matters not whether individuals reason well or ill; it is sufficient that they do reason. Truth arises from the collision and from hence springs liberty, which is a security from the effects of reasoning.

If one only wished to be Sad, this could be horrible for the rest of civilisation; but we wish to be happier than other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.