I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
In the infancy of societies, the chiefs of state shape its institutions; later the institutions shape the chiefs of state.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the evolution of societies and how leadership influences institutions, which in turn shape future leaders.
Baron De Montesquieu's quote emphasizes the cyclical relationship between leadership and societal institutions. Initially, leaders create the structures that govern society; however, as these institutions mature, they begin to influence the characteristics and actions of future leaders. This interplay highlights the importance of both individuals and institutions in the development of a society over time.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of institutional integrity in governance.
I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
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.
To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.
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.
It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.
If you would be holy, instruct your children, because all the good acts they perform will be imputed to you.
I recognize in thieves, traitors and murderers, in the ruthless and the cunning, a deep beauty - a sunken beauty.
Human progress planned as alternatives (to God's plan) introduce in justice, evil and violence rising against the divine plan of justice and salvation. And despite transitory and apparent successes, they are reduced to simple machinations destined to dissolution and failure.
All thought must, directly or indirectly, by way of certain characters, relate ultimately to intuitions, and therefore, with us, to sensibility, because in no other way can an object be given to us.
If in a discussion of many matters ... we are not able to give perfectly exact and self-consistent accounts, do not be surprised: rather we would be content if we provide accounts that are second to none in probability.
You have to ask yourself the question 'Who am I?' This investigation will lead in the end to the discovery of something within you which is behind the mind. Solve that great problem and you will solve all other problems.
I hate paying taxes. But I love the civilization they give me
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