If 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 MontesquieuThe wickedness of mankind makes it necessary for the law to suppose them better than they really are.
Baron de MontesquieuThe reason the Romans built their great paved highways was because they had such inconvenient footwear.
Baron de MontesquieuBut constant experience shows us that every man invested with power is apt to abuse it, and to carry his authority as far as it will go.
Baron de MontesquieuIt is necessary from the very nature of things that power should be a check to power.
Baron de Montesquieu