Charles de Montesquieu, [Montesquieu, Charles Louis de Secondat] (1689-1755) Baron de Montesquieu Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [1-6] of 6 Charles de Montesquieu quotesCharles de Montesquieu QuotesCharles de Montesquieu Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free.~ Charles de Montesquieu It is unreasonable ... to oblige a man not to attempt the defense of his own life.~ Charles de Montesquieu There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.~ Charles de Montesquieu The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded.~ Charles de Montesquieu Republics end through luxury; monarchies through poverty. [Fr., Les republiques finissent par le luxe; les monarchies, par la pauvrete.]~ Charles de Montesquieu In the state of nature...all men are born equal, but they cannot continue in this equality. Society makes them lose it, and they recover it only by the protection of the law.~ Charles de Montesquieu Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print