A man who writes well writes not as others write, but as he himself writes; it is often in speaking badly that he speaks well.
Baron de MontesquieuKnowledge humanizes mankind, and reason inclines to mildness; but prejudices eradicate every tender disposition.
Baron de MontesquieuThe prejudices of superstition are superior to all others, and have the strongest influence on the human mind.
Baron de MontesquieuA prince who loves and fears religion is a lion who stoops to the hand that strokes or to the voice that appeases him. He who fears and hates religion is like the savage beast that growls and bites the chain, which prevents his flying on the passenger. He who has no religion at all is that terrible animal who perceives his liberty only when he tears in pieces, and when he devours.
Baron de Montesquieu