Man, as a physical being, is like other bodies governed by invariable laws.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that human existence is subject to the same physical laws as the rest of the universe.
Montesquieu highlights the idea that humans, despite our complexities and consciousness, are ultimately physical beings operating under the same natural laws that govern all matter. This perspective challenges the notion of human exceptionalism by reminding us of our connection to the larger physical world.
In practice
This quote can serve as a discussion starter in a philosophy class about the nature of humanity.
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.
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.
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.
It is safe to assert that no government proper ever had a provision in its organic law for its own termination.
Not to be born is undoubtedly the best plan of all. Unfortunately, it is within no one's reach.
Certain characteristics of the subject are clear. To begin with, we do not in this subject deal with particular things or particular properties: we deal formally with what can be said about any thing or any property. We are prepared to say that one and one are two, but not that Socrates and Plato are two.
I don't like the subtle infiltration of 'something for nothing' philosophies into the very hearthstone of the American family. I believe that 'Thou shalt earn the bread by the sweat of thy face' was a benediction and not a penalty. Work is the zest of life; there is joy in its pursuit.
People are always angry at anyone who chooses very individual standards for his life; because of the extraordinary treatment which that man grants to himself, they feel degraded, like ordinary beings.
Anything that you resent and strongly react to in another is also in you.
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