I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that laws are derived from human reason and should reflect rationality applicable to society.
Baron De Montesquieu articulates the idea that laws should be grounded in human reason, serving as a framework for governance that applies universally to all people. He suggests that specific political and civil laws in each nation are simply manifestations of this broader rational principle, indicating that the essence of law is rooted in human understanding and logic rather than arbitrary authority.
Themes
LawHuman ReasonGovernancePhilosophyJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a courtroom, a lawyer might use this quote to emphasize the importance of rational reasoning in legal arguments.
More from Baron De Montesquieu
All quotes →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.
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If you would be holy, instruct your children, because all the good acts they perform will be imputed to you.
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Trade is the best cure for prejudice.
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