Montesquieu

Date of Birth: January 18, 1689

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: February 10, 1755

Biography

Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, more commonly known as Montesquieu, was a prominent French lawyer, man of letters, and political philosopher who lived during the Enlightenment period. He was born into a noble family and received a classical education, which greatly influenced his later works. Montesquieu is best known for his theory of the separation of powers, which has been incorporated into many constitutions around the world, including that of the United States. Montesquieu’s most famous work, “The Spirit of the Laws” (“De l’esprit des lois”), published in 1748, is a comprehensive examination of different forms of government and the factors that influence their development. His ideas on checks and balances were revolutionary at the time and have had a lasting impact on political theory and practice. In addition to his political writings, Montesquieu also contributed to the fields of sociology and anthropology. He conducted extensive research on different cultures and societies, advocating for religious tolerance and the abolition of slavery. Montesquieu’s legacy continues to influence modern political thought, and he is regarded as one of the key figures of the Enlightenment.

5 Interesting Facts about Montesquieu

1. Montesquieu inherited the title of Baron de La Brède from his uncle in 1716, which provided him with the means to pursue his intellectual interests.

2. He was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1728.

3. Montesquieu’s “The Persian Letters” (“Lettres persanes”), published in 1721, satirically critiqued French society and politics through the eyes of fictional Persian travelers.

4. He traveled extensively across Europe, including visits to Italy, Germany, and England, which influenced his comparative approach to political systems.

5. Montesquieu’s work was initially banned by the Catholic Church, and “The Spirit of the Laws” was placed on the Index of Prohibited Books.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Montesquieu

1. “To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.”

2. “There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.”

3. “Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.”

4. “The spirit of moderation should also be the spirit of the lawgiver.”

5. “Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Montesquieu’s net worth is not explicitly documented in modern financial terms, but as a member of the French nobility, he had substantial wealth and land holdings.

Children

Montesquieu had three children with his wife Jeanne de Lartigue: Jean-Baptiste, Marie, and Denise. His son Jean-Baptiste succeeded him as Baron de La Brède.