Charles-Louis De SecondatCharles-Louis De Secondat, (1689-1755) Baron de Montesquieu

Charles-Louis De Secondat Quote

“We ought to be very cautious in the prosecution of magic and heresy. The attempt to put down these two crimes may be extremely perilous to liberty, and may be the origin of a number of petty acts of tyranny if the legislator be not on his guard; for as such an accusation does not bear directly on the overt acts of a citizen, but refers to the idea we entertain of his character.”

Charles-Louis De SecondatCharles-Louis De Secondat
~ Charles-Louis De Secondat

The Spirit of the Laws, 1748

Ratings and Comments


E Archer, NYC

This should serve as a warning to those who now villify Islam and its billion followers. The rallying cry to bomb Muslims will most likely increase retaliatory acts against Americans worldwide -- no matter what their faith. Yes, certain Muslim groups label us as heretics and infidels -- but shall we reply in 'kind?'

Michael, Houston, TX

Hi E Archer This is what makes terrorism so insidious--"they" are among "us" and "they" threaten "our" very survival. When survival is really seen as an issue, mistakes are tolerated--mistakes that hurt the innocent. I believe it was Gen Tommy Franks to alluded that our Constitution would not survive if a WMD was deployed anywehre in the Western World. That is why, my friend, that we MUST find reasonable ways to deal with the real threat among us BEFORE that very real possible day.

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