Montesquieu Quotes

The best things carried to excess are wrong.

The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.

Power confuses itself with virtue and tends also to take itself for omnipotence

The boundary of man is moderation. When once we pass that pale our guardian angel quits his charge of us.

Power without abuse loses its charm.

Half the vices which the world condemns most loudly have seeds of good in them and require moderate use rather than total abstinence.

Unlimited power corrupts the possessor.

Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people.

The American people do not begrudge anyone his or her power until they start abusing it.

I truly believe that all power corrupts. Such is probably the thinking behind every political film ever made in Hollywood.

Power is always a corrupting influence.

The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.

With power comes the abuse of power. And where there are bosses, there are crazy bosses. It's nothing new.

Every one, more or less, loves Power, yet those who most wish for it are seldom the fittest to be trusted with it.

Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.

One thing I hope I'll never be is drunk with my own power. And anybody who says I am will never work in this town again.

But 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.

I believe the root of all evil is abuse of power.

Too much liberty corrupts us all.

What I fear most is power with impunity. I fear abuse of power, and the power to abuse.

Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best.

The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.

All men having power ought to be distrusted to a certain degree.

Power over men is itself a satisfaction, besides providing opportunity to better one's circumstances with a minimum of exertion. Hence, the lust for power increases with its enjoyment and restraint is added to restraint. The government instituted to prevent men from transgressing one another's equal rights thus tends to become a transgressor of the rights of all. The injustice is far more oppressive than anyone man can do unto another, and the interests of freedom can be served only by restraint of government.

Occupants of public offices love power and are prone to abuse it.