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 [1-8] of 8 Charles-Louis de Secondat quotesCharles-Louis de Secondat QuotesCharles-Louis de Secondat In republican governments, men are all equal; equal they are also in despotic governments: in the former, because they are everything; in the latter, because they are nothing.~ Charles-Louis de Secondat The deterioration of every government begins with the decay of the principles on which it was founded.~ Charles-Louis De Secondat There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.~ Charles-Louis De Secondat What orators lack in depth they make up for in length.~ Charles-Louis de Secondat There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.~ Charles-Louis de Secondat 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 Secondat But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.~ Charles-Louis de Secondat Useless laws weaken necessary laws.~ Charles-Louis de Secondat Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print