I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
If I knew of something that could serve my nation but would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince, for I am first a man and only then a Frenchman... because I am necessarily a man, and only accidentally am I French.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of humanity over national identity.
Baron De Montesquieu expresses a profound belief that one's identity as a human being should take precedence over one's national allegiance. He suggests that ethical responsibilities to humanity should guide decisions and actions, rather than blind loyalty to one's country, indicating that moral integrity is a higher value than nationalism.
Themes
HumanityNationalismIntegrityMoralityEthics
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on international relations, one might quote Montesquieu to highlight the importance of global ethics.
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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