I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
Power ought to serve as a check to power.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Power should be balanced and controlled by other powers to prevent tyranny.
This quote by Baron De Montesquieu emphasizes the necessity of a system of checks and balances in governance. It suggests that when power is concentrated in a single entity or individual, it can lead to abuse and tyranny, thus advocating for a structure where different branches or groups hold power over each other to ensure fairness and liberty for all members of society.
Themes
PowerChecks And BalancesGovernanceLibertyTyranny
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on governmental structures, one could say, 'As Baron De Montesquieu wisely stated, power ought to serve as a check to power.'
More from Baron De Montesquieu
All quotes →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.
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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.
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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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