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.

Montesquieu

Related Quotes

Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free.

— Montesquieu

If one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier that other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are.

— Montesquieu

Liberty is the right to do as the law permits.

— Montesquieu

After all, all he did was string together a lot of old, well-known quotations.

— Montesquieu

Author: A fool who, not content with having bored those who have lived with him, insists on tormenting generations to come.

— Montesquieu

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