Charles-Louis de Secondat Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"But constant experience shows us that every man invested with power
is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go."

by:	Charles-Louis de Secondat (1689-1755) Baron de Montesquieu
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Categories:	Power, Authority, Usurpation
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Reader comments about this quote:

too many exceptions -- Mike, Norwalk 2
The problem lies with the individuals who do not believe "that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go." How can Americans not see this blind patriotism which states my country right or wrong, both militarily and/or domestic? -- Anon 4
For a good example of this, look do farther than Washington D.C. -- jim k, Austin 3
I agree with Mike, but would add: "It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellow men." George MacDonald -- Justin, Elkland 4
Mike, I agree with you.... -- RBESRQ 3
Quoting John Emerich Dalberg-Acton: "power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." That's what is happening now: The fear — fright, threats — come down from "on high" — the White House — and the House and even the Senate bow and genuflect and help the plan destroy this grand old nation -- John, Souther Utah 4
The only remedy to the abuse of power is power. A kind word, a gentle plea, and a petition will not be effective against an arrogant abuser of power. -- Ken, Allyn, WA 4
As it is written: " When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." ~ Proverbs 29:2 In the sphere of governance, as in all other spheres, the ennobling presence of Vital Virtue makes the defining difference. -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill 2
One will find Jefferson at odds with Montesquieu, Even though separation of powers as a start as Montesquieu states, he firmly held to hereditary aristocracy and somewhat favored slavery for happiness. Keynes who also found Montesquieu appealing sided against Physiocrats, as Jefferson our representative agrarian instilled with natural law and its virtues of goodness and independence. Of course Keynes being from England, Director of the Bank of England and a member of the Bloomsbury Group and their far left liberal stances. Personal relationships out weigh patriotism to a Nation or State. Jefferson's thoughts that separation of powers did not go far enough, The Right of the States to nullify unconstitutional laws. " Elections and separation of powers would not suffice if the government could judge its own case regarding constitutionality." The indoctrination of socialism and the likes of Keynes with his corrupt reprobate mindset has done more harm perhaps than the church he was raised in. But that church is the at the core, the siege of our once Free Republic. " Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father: but he that keepeth company with harlots spendeth his substance " Proverbs 29:3 KJB Such has been the way of England as also with Europe and their relationship with the that church. Charles-Louis de Secondat is very presumptuous. -- Ronw13, Oregon 1
Hence the natural distribution of power with a republican form of government. Note that 'wealth redistribution' is in effect 'power centralization' -- wealth is being drawn from all quarters to the center which will be spent for even more power. A republican form of government keeps power in each individual's hands, thus keeping power from concentrating into a few hands. That is real diversity, real wealth distribution (not redistribution), real prosperity, real empowerment. -- E Archer, NYC 1

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