15 Best Montesquieu Quotes by the French Philosopher

Montesquieu quotes

Montesquieu was one of the greatest political philosopher of the

Enlightenment.

His theory of separation of powers had a huge impact on liberal political theory and on the framers of constitutions throughout the world. Persian Letters and The Spirit of the Laws are considered to be his two most important works.

1 . Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit. -Montesquieu

Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit. -Montesquieu

Liberty doesn’t allow us to do whatever we feel like doing. Each one of us has responsibilities that we need to fulfill too. Hence, we should be mindful of how we make use of our freedom.

2 . There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice. -Montesquieu

There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice. -Montesquieu

The most cruel form of tyranny is the one which deceives citizens into believing that it is just. It justifies wrong acts by stating that they’re important to maintain law and order.

3 . In most things success depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed. -Montesquieu

In most things success depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed. -Montesquieu

One should be aware of the fact that the journey towards success is not at all an easy one. Nobody becomes successful overnight. It takes perseverance and resilience to carry on despite challenges.

4 . I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve. -Montesquieu

I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve. -Montesquieu

Finding things that improve our mood can really help us become positive. We are able to forget about our worries and pay attention to what we enjoy doing.

5 . There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life; but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window. -Montesquieu

There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life; but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window. -Montesquieu

It is totally up to us how we make use of the situation we are in. Being optimistic helps us see opportunities that can bring us closer to our goals. On the other hand, being ignorant about our surroundings will only prevent us from becoming successful.

6 . To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight. -Montesquieu

To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight. -Montesquieu

Reading helps us discover those sides of our potential that usually remain dormant. While reading, we tend to lose track of time because it is the best way to kill boredom.

7 . Useless laws weaken the necessary laws. -Montesquieu

Useless laws weaken the necessary laws. -Montesquieu

Creating unnecessary laws not just distracts our focus from following the necessary laws but also stops us from making good progress. Complicating simple things can also lead to a lot of confusion.

8 . Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free. -Montesquieu

Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free. -Montesquieu

Human development should be given more importance than any other aspect. A society can only move forward when it’s citizens are able to live a fulfilling life.

9 . Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer. -Montesquieu

Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer. -Montesquieu

Not being able to maintain relationships can be really distressing. Pushing people away shows that you lack interpersonal skills. Once people decide to leave your life, they will stop caring about you.

10 . I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise. -Montesquieu

I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise. -Montesquieu

Sometimes, it is better to play dumb in order to achieve certain goals. You can’t act arrogant if you want to learn and become better. Be wise enough to know how to deal with different people.

11 . You have to study a great deal to know a little. -Montesquieu

You have to study a great deal to know a little. -Montesquieu

The more we study, the more we realize how much we don’t know. But that shouldn’t discourage us from expanding our knowledge. After all, it’s only after we excel at something that we are able to contribute to its advancement.

12 . The less men think, the more they talk. -Montesquieu

The less men think, the more they talk. -Montesquieu

It is generally believed that the more talkative someone is, the more knowledge they possess. However, this is not true. What really matters is that one should be able to think instead of speaking unnecessarily all the time.

13 . What orators lack in depth they make up for in length. -Montesquieu

What orators lack in depth they make up for in length. -Montesquieu

Brevity is the soul of wit. A good orator knows the skill of conveying their ideas in a precise manner. They understand the audience and are able to communicate without creating confusion.

14 . To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them. -Montesquieu

To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them. -Montesquieu

In order to gain people’s trust, a leader should be compassionate. Most people only care about those who they can genuinely relate to and someone who can solve their problems. They don’t want to give power to a dictator.

1. Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit. -Montesquieu

2. There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice. -Montesquieu

3. In most things success depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed. -Montesquieu

4. I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve. -Montesquieu

5. There is no one, says another, whom fortune does not visit once in his life; but when she does not find him ready to receive her, she walks in at the door, and flies out at the window. -Montesquieu

6. To love to read is to exchange hours of ennui for hours of delight. -Montesquieu

7. Useless laws weaken the necessary laws. -Montesquieu

8. Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free. -Montesquieu

9. Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer. -Montesquieu

10. I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise. -Montesquieu

11. You have to study a great deal to know a little. -Montesquieu

12. The less men think, the more they talk. -Montesquieu

13. What orators lack in depth they make up for in length. -Montesquieu

14. To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them. -Montesquieu

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