I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
In the infancy of societies, the chiefs of state shape its institutions; later the institutions shape the chiefs of state.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the evolution of societies and how leadership influences institutions, which in turn shape future leaders.
Baron De Montesquieu's quote emphasizes the cyclical relationship between leadership and societal institutions. Initially, leaders create the structures that govern society; however, as these institutions mature, they begin to influence the characteristics and actions of future leaders. This interplay highlights the importance of both individuals and institutions in the development of a society over time.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of institutional integrity in governance.
I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Law 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.
To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.
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.
It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.
If you would be holy, instruct your children, because all the good acts they perform will be imputed to you.
Any theory intended to describe and analyze socio-historical reality cannot restrict itself to the human spirit and disregard the totality of human nature.
I think all of us, under certain circumstances, could be capable of some very despicable acts. And that's why, over the years, in my movies I've had characters who didn't care what people thought about them. We try to be as true to them as possible and maybe see part of ourselves in there that we may not like.
My social philosophy may be said to be enshrined in three words: liberty, equality and fraternity. Let no one, however, say that I have borrowed by philosophy from the French Revolution. I have not. My philosophy has roots in religion and not in political science. I have derived them from the teachings of my Master, the Buddha.
Our intention is to affirm this life, not to bring order out of chaos, nor to suggest improvements in creation, but simply to wake up to the very life we're living, which is so excellent once one gets one's mind and desires out of its way and lets it act of it's own accord.
In short, and let us be clear on it: race is not a card. It determines whom the dealer is, and who gets dealt.
This is one of their [the Christians'] rules. Let no man that is learned, wise, or prudent come among us: but if they be unlearned, or a child, or an idiot, let him freely come. So they openly declare that none but the ignorant, and those devoid of understanding, slaves, women, and children, are fit disciples for the God they worship.
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