Translation: Horace and Aristotle told us of the virtues of their fathers, and the vices of their own time, and authors down through the centuries ha… - Montesquieu

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Translation: Horace and Aristotle told us of the virtues of their fathers, and the vices of their own time, and authors down through the centuries have told us the same. If they were right, men would now be bears.

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About Montesquieu

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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Also Known As

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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Additional quotes by Montesquieu

The laws of Rome had wisely divided public power among a large number of magistracies, which supported, checked and tempered each other. Since they all had only limited power, every citizen was qualified for them, and the people — seeing many persons pass before them one after the other — did not grow accustomed to any in particular. But in these times the system of the republic changed. Through the people the most powerful men gave themselves extraordinary commissions — which destroyed the authority of the people and magistrates, and placed all great matters in the hands of one man, or a few.

Knowledge makes men gentle; reason leads to humanity; but prejudices can only eradicate both these dispositions.

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I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage.

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