Montesquieu1689–1755The success of most things depends upon knowing how long it will take to succeed.
Pensées Diverses- The Spirit of the Laws (1748), Book XXIX: Of the Manner of Composing Laws, Chapter 16: Things to be Observed in the Composing of Laws
I can assure you that no kingdom has ever had as many civil wars as the kingdom of Christ.
Lettres Persanes (Persian Letters, 1721), No. 29. (Rica writing to Ibben)I have always observed that to succeed in the world one should appear like a fool but be wise.
Pensées DiversesRaillery is a mode of speaking in favor of one’s wit at the expense of one’s better nature.
Pensées Diverses- Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline (1734), p. 89
- Pensées et Fragments Inédits de Montesquieu (1899)
Not to be loved is a misfortune, but it is an insult to be loved no longer.
Lettres Persanes (Persian Letters, 1721), No. 3. (Zachi writing to Usbek)I have read descriptions of Paradise that would make any sensible person stop wanting to go there.
Lettres Persanes (Persian Letters, 1721), No. 125. (Usbek writing to Rhedi)- Lettres Persanes (Persian Letters, 1721), No. 46. (Usbek writing to Rhedi)
