Montesquieu

"The wealth of a nation depends on its people, not its gold."

"True courage is not the absence of fear but mastery of it."

"The principles of a government determine its longevity."

"A wise government adapts its laws to the temperament of its people."

"The spirit of liberty can survive only where laws are just."

"Men are born into freedom but everywhere are in chains."

"The perfection of government consists in knowing human nature."

"A just law is obeyed willingly by the people."

"The grandeur of a nation is measured by its justice, not its wealth."

"Every law that does not come from virtue is a burden on the people."

"The body politic, like the human body, has natural laws."

"Virtue is the principle of republics; fear is the principle of despotism."

"The only cure for despotism is the spread of knowledge."

"A nation that forgets its past has no future."

"The separation of powers is the guardian of liberty."

"The greatest enemy of liberty is the concentration of power."

"Laws should be as few as possible but as clear as necessary."

"The character of a nation reflects the character of its laws."

"A free people will always demand transparent government."

"The safety of a republic depends on constant vigilance."

"Custom is the best teacher of the laws of nature."

"The corruption of a republic begins when power becomes hereditary."

"A just ruler inspires love, not fear, in his people."

"The strength of a nation lies in the wisdom of its citizens."

"Every law that violates justice is no law at all."

"The people naturally desire freedom when they understand its value."

"A society without justice is merely a band of criminals."

"The spirit of a people determines the spirit of its government."

"Governments exist to secure the happiness of the governed."

"The measure of a society is how it treats the weakest among it."