Quotes by Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu
1689 – 1755
Charles Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) was one of the most influential legal theorists and political philosophers of the 18th century. His ideas about the separation of powers and checks on the power of the executive had a profound impact on the architects of the American constitution.
Bio
See the Liberty Matters online discussion on Montesquieu on Liberty and Sumptuary Law
Presidents, Kings, Tyrants, & Despots
Montesquieu states that the Roman Empire fell because the costs of its military expansion introduced corruption and the loyalty of its soldiers was transferred from the City to its generals (1734)
Economics
Montesquieu thought that commerce improves manners and cures “the most destructive prejudices” (1748)
Politics & Liberty
Montesquieu was fascinated by the liberty which was enjoyed in England, which he attributed to security of person and the rule of law (1748)
Law
Montesquieu and law as a fishing net (1720)