Quotes from Charles de Secondat

The less men think, the more they talk.

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.

Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.

As soon as man enters into a state of society he loses the sense of his weakness equality ceases, and then commences the state of war.

The law of nations is naturally founded on this principle, that different nations ought in time of peace to do one another all the good they can, and in time of war as little injury as possible, without prejudicing their real interests.