In a republic there is no coercive force as in other governments, the laws must therefore endeavor to supply this defect.
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 MontesquieuWhen one wants to change manners and customs, one should not do so by changing the laws.
Baron de MontesquieuThe state is the association of men, and not men themselves; the citizen may perish, and the man remain.
Baron de Montesquieu