settings
War and Peace vocabulary
9 famous people mentioned
help & settings
[x]
-
Montesquieu
-
tags: [personage]
► definition
Definition:[1689-1755][a French political philosopher] famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, which is implemented in many constitutions throughout the world. He is also known for doing more than any other author to secure the place of the word "despotism" in the political lexicon. His anonymously published The Spirit of the Laws in 1748, which was received well in both Great Britain and the American colonies, influenced the Founding Fathers in drafting the United States Constitution.text from Wikipedia, licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike
► uses
Uses:
Democratic and aristocratic states are not in their own nature free. Political liberty is to be found only in moderate governments; and even in these it is not always found. It is there only when there is no abuse of power. But constant experience shows us that every man who has power is inclined to abuse it; he goes until he finds limits. Is it not strange, though true, to say that virtue itself has need of limits?
Montesquieu. The Spirit of the Laws (1748)
---
Let us persuade men to be just, beneficent, moderate, sociable; not because such conduct is demanded by the gods, but, because it is pleasant to men. Let us advise them to abstain from vice and crime; not because they will be punished in another world, but because they will suffer for it in this.—These are, says Montesquieu, means to prevent crimes—these are punishments; these reform manners—these are good examples.
Baron D'Holbach. Good Sense (1772)
---
The oracle who is always consulted and cited on this subject is the celebrated Montesquieu. If he be not the author of this invaluable precept in the science of politics, he has the merit at least of displaying and recommending it most effectually to the attention of mankind. Let us endeavor, in the first place, to ascertain his meaning on this point.
Hamilton, Alexander; Jay, John; Madison, James. The Federalist Papers
---
“I am an admirer of Montesquieu,” replied Prince Andrew, “and his idea that [Certain rights and privileges for the aristocracy appear to me a means of maintaining that sentiment.]”
Leo Tolstoy. War and Peace: With bonus material from Give War and Peace A Chance by Andrew D. Kaufman . Simon & Schuster
help with search