I have never known any distress that an hour's reading did not relieve.
Baron De MontesquieuRead
Liberty is the right to do what the law permits.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Liberty involves acting within the bounds of the law.
Baron De Montesquieu's quote emphasizes that true freedom is not the absence of restrictions but rather the ability to act freely within the limits set by law. This perspective suggests that liberty is best understood in the context of societal rules and governance, as it ensures order and protects individual rights while allowing for personal expression and action.
Themes
LibertyLawFreedomRightsSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic duties, one might mention this quote to highlight the importance of adhering to laws while enjoying personal freedoms.
More from Baron De Montesquieu
All quotes βLaw 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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