I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should seem a fool, but be wise.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success often comes from appearing simple while being knowledgeable.
This quote by Baron De Montesquieu suggests that in the pursuit of success, sometimes it is advantageous to present oneself as naive or unassuming, while possessing deeper wisdom and understanding. This approach can lead to gaining trust and influence, as people are often more open to those they perceive as less threatening, allowing the wise individual to navigate complex social dynamics effectively.
Themes
SuccessWisdomAppearancesKnowledgeFoolishness
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership seminar, this quote could emphasize the importance of humility in leadership.
More from Baron De Montesquieu
All quotes βLaw in general is human reason, inasmuch as it governs all the inhabitants of the earth: the political and civil laws of each nation ought to be only the particular cases in which human reason is applied.
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To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.
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Love of the republic in a democracy, is a love of the democracy; love of the democracy is that of equality. Love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality.
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It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
If you would be holy, instruct your children, because all the good acts they perform will be imputed to you.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
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