It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption.
Baron de MontesquieuWhen a government lasts a long while, it deteriorates by insensible degrees. Republics end through luxury, monarchies through poverty.
Baron de MontesquieuIf we only wanted to be happy, it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, and that is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are.
Baron de MontesquieuThe alms given to a naked man in the street do not fulfil the obligations of the state, which owes to every citizen a certain subsistence, a proper nourishment, convenient clothing, and a kind of life not incompatible with health.
Baron de Montesquieu