Politics are a smooth file, which cuts gradually, and attains its end by slow progression.
Baron de MontesquieuIf one only wished to be happy, this could be easily accomplished; but we wish to be happier that other people, and this is always difficult, for we believe others to be happier than they are. you are comparing your lot with an ideal which is of course better and therefore you feel worse
Baron de MontesquieuDemocracy is corrupted not only when the spirit of equality is corrupted, but likewise when they fall into a spirit of extreme equality.
Baron de MontesquieuWe ought to be very cautious and circumspect in the prosecution of magic and heresy. The attempt to put down these two crimes may be extremely perilous to liberty.
Baron de Montesquieu