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All Charles de Secondat Quotes
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.
Charles de Secondat
61% of people like this quote
There are three species of government: republican, monarchical, and despotic.
Charles de Secondat
60% of people like this quote
Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer.
Charles de Secondat
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Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.
Charles de Secondat
57% of people like this quote
The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles.
Charles de Secondat
55% of people like this quote
If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman... because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French.
Charles de Secondat
55% of people like this quote
There is only one thing that can form a bond between men, and that is gratitude... we cannot give someone else greater power over us than we have ourselves.
Charles de Secondat
54% of people like this quote
There are only two cases in which war is just: first, in order to resist the aggression of an enemy, and second, in order to help an ally who has been attacked.
Charles de Secondat
53% of people like this quote
There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.
Charles de Secondat
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Society is the union of men and not the men themselves.
Charles de Secondat
53% of people like this quote
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 de Secondat
52% of people like this quote
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.
Charles de Secondat
52% of people like this quote
I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.
Charles de Secondat
51% of people like this quote
Slavery, properly so called, is the establishment of a right which gives to one man such a power over another as renders him absolute master of his life and fortune.
Charles de Secondat
50% of people like this quote
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