There are bad examples which are worse than crimes; and more states have perished from the violation of morality than from the violation of law.
Baron de MontesquieuIf 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.
Baron de MontesquieuAs men are affected in all ages by the same passions, the occasions which bring about great changes are different, but the causes are always the same.
Baron de Montesquieu