Montesquieu

"Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."

"There is no crueller tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and order."

"The corrupt part of mankind are masters, and the good part slaves."

"Liberty is the right to do everything which the laws permit."

"In every human being there is a special something that cannot be delegated."

"Knowledge is power."

"The true foundation of theology is to ascertain the character of God."

"When the savages of Louisiana wish to obtain fruit, they cut down the tree and gather the fruit."

"The happiest women, like the happiest nations, have no history."

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

"Commerce polishes customs and softens morals."

"The spirit of moderation is the best guardian of peace."

"Education should be a constant joy and delight."

"Those who think themselves very wise are generally fools."

"The principle of despotic government is fear."

"Useless laws weaken the necessary laws."

"If I knew something useful to my nation that would ruin another, I would not propose it to my prince."

"The security of the throne depends on the security of the subject."

"Great empires are built on small foundations."

"The love of reading furnishes a mind with materials of wisdom."

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

"The laws of nature are the laws of God."

"True courage is like a kite—a contrary wind raises it higher."

"The strength of the state comes from the virtue of the citizen."

"In the state of nature, we are not equal."

"It is necessary to be wary of those who are too zealous in their devotion."

"When the wealthy make laws, they make them for the poor."

"Pleasure and business are not so opposed as some imagine."

"The power of a man is his opinion."

"Money is the most noble of conquests."