193 Quotes by Baron de Montesquieu

The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy.

In the matter of dress one should always keep below one’s ability.

Nature repairs everything.

In every government there are three sorts of power: the legislative; the executive in respect to things dependent on the law of nations; and the executive in regard to matters that depend on the civil law.

Experience constantly proves that every man who has power is impelled to abuse it; he goes on till he is pulled up by some limits. Who would say it! virtue even has need of limits.

Power ought to serve as a check to power.

A good writer does not write as people write, but as he writes.

It is rare to find learned men who are clean, do not stink and have a sense of humour.

Europe is a state with several provinces.