On January 18, 1689, Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, French satirist and philosopher, was born.
His treatise The Spirit of the Laws was a major influence upon America’s founding generation. He is famous for his articulation of the theory of separation of powers, which is implemented in many constitutions throughout the world. He did more than any other author to secure the place of the word despotism in the political lexicon.
In 1811, former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson translated and published Destutt de Tracy’s Commentary and Review of Montesquieu’s ‘Spirit of Laws,’ a very popular review of republican principles — which helps demonstrate how important these French writers were to the American form of government.
Montesquieu died on February 10, 1755.
1 reply on “Montesquieu”
Montesquieu was too much an effective contributor to and hapless victim of the Enlightenment, and so by elevating reason, logic and science to an exalted position, he was, at the same time and whether he meant to or not, helping to de-elevate God. Jefferson and Madison came along in a timely way to finish the job, leaving as their legacy the ashes of a burned out, God denying nation. Can’t we finally please start to get it right about Descartes, Newton, Locke and all the rest of their loyal students and what they did to Truth?