“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.”
Author details
Related authors
Other 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
58% of people like this quote
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