“ The deterioration of a government begins almost always by the decay of its principles. Charles de Secondat
“ Religious wars are not caused by the fact that there is more than one religion, but by the spirit of intolerance... the spread of which can only be regarded as the total eclipse of human reason. Charles de Secondat
“ Do you think that God will punish them for not practicing a religion which he did not reveal to them? Charles de Secondat
“ 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, witho… Charles de Secondat
“ 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
“ 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
“ People here argue about religion interminably, but it appears that they are competing at the same time to see who can be the least devout. Charles de Secondat
“ Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations. Charles de Secondat
“ When the body of the people is possessed of the supreme power, it is called a democracy. Charles de Secondat
“ 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. Charles de Secondat
