Montesquieu
Montesquieu
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu was born Charles-Louis de Secondat on January 18, 1689. He is commonly referred to as Montesquieu, a surname derived from his family's title, the Baron de La Brède.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: January 18, 1689
Died: February 10, 1755
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Montesquieu was French by birth and nationality. He is best known as a philosopher, jurist, and political scientist.
Early Life and Background
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Born in the Gascon region of southwest France, Montesquieu came from an aristocratic family. His father, Jean-Baptiste de Secondat, was a counselor to the Bordeaux parliament. Montesquieu's mother, Marie-Françoise de Pesnel, died when he was young, and his father remarried soon after.
Montesquieu received a traditional education at the University of Bordeaux, studying law, philosophy, and literature. He later attended the University of Paris, where he developed an interest in politics and social issues.
Major Accomplishments
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Montesquieu's most significant contributions to Western thought are his ideas on separation of powers, which were introduced in his book "The Spirit of Laws" (1748).
He also advocated for the importance of individual liberty and the role of education in a society.
Notable Works or Actions
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Montesquieu wrote several notable works throughout his career:
Persian Letters (1721): A collection of fictional letters that explore the social and political issues of 18th-century France from the perspective of Persian travelers.
The Spirit of Laws (1748): Considered one of Montesquieu's most important works, this book explores the concept of separation of powers in government and its relationship to individual liberty.
Impact and Legacy
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Montesquieu's ideas on separation of powers have had a lasting impact on modern democracies. His advocacy for individual liberty and education has inspired generations of thinkers, philosophers, and politicians.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Montesquieu is widely quoted due to his insightful observations on the importance of checks and balances in government. His ideas have influenced some of the most significant documents in modern history, including the United States Constitution.
Quotes by Montesquieu
People here argue about religion interminably, but it appears that they are competing at the same time to see who can be the least devout.
Author: A fool who, not content with having bored those who have lived with him, insists on tormenting generations to come.
I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.
The law of nations is naturally founded on this principle, that different nations ought in time of peace to do one another all the good they can, and in time of war as little injury as possible, without prejudicing their real interests.
Raillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one's wit at the expense of one's better nature.
Each particular society begins to feel its strength, whence arises a state of war between different nations.
Talent is a gift which God has given us secretly, and which we reveal without perceiving it.