In bodies moved, the motion is received, increased, diminished, or lost, according to the relations of the quantity of matter and velocity; each diversity is uniformity, each change is constancy.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that the motion and changes in physical bodies reflect fundamental relationships of matter and velocity, showing a deeper consistency in diversity and change.
Montesquieuβs quote explores the intricate relationship between motion, matter, and the physical laws that govern them. It implies that while various forms of motion may appear chaotic and diverse, they are governed by underlying rules that create a sense of uniformity and consistency. These principles reveal that change is a natural constant in the world, and that every alteration in motion corresponds to specific relationships between the physical properties involved.
In practice
Using this quote during a lecture about the laws of physics to illustrate the principles of motion.
When the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person, or in the same body of magistrates, there can be no liberty; because apprehensions may arise, lest the same monarch or senate should enact tyrannical laws, to execute them in a tyrannical manner.
Author: A fool who, not content with having bored those who have lived with him, insists on tormenting generations to come.
Man, as a physical being, is like other bodies governed by invariable laws.
Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature.
Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit.
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.
There's a terror in knowing what the world is about
Most nations, as well as people are impossible only in their youth; they become incorrigible as they grow older.
When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
He thought that the rose was to be found in its own eternity and not in his words; and that we may mention or allude to a thing, but not express it.
Oh, gentlemen, perhaps I really regard myself as an intelligent man only because throughout my entire life I've never been able to start or finish anything. Granted, granted I'm a babbler, a harmless, irksome babbler, as we all are. But what's to be done if the sole and express purpose of every intelligent man is babble--that is, a deliberate pouring from empty into void.
History... is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake.
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