philosopher--queen-blog

[philosopher--queen-blog]

To dislodge by argument habits long firmly rooted in their characters is difficult if not impossible.

Aristotle, Ethics, Book 10

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Perhaps however, as we maintain, in the practical sciences the end is not to attain a theoretic knowledge of the various subjects, but rather to carry out our theories in action. If so, to know what virtue is is not enough; we must endeavor to possess and to practice it, or in some other manner actually ourselves to become good.

Aristotle, Ethics, Book 10, Chapter 9

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Feel no fear before the multitude of men, do not run in panic, but let each man bear his shield straight toward the fore-fighters, regarding his own life as hateful and holding the dark spirits of death as dear as the radiance of the sun.

Tyrtaeus, Spartan Lessons (via entjs)

[philosopher--queen-blog]

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Virtue seemed to forget itself in order to surpass itself, and it made men admire as divine an action that at first could not be approved because it was atrocious.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Men are never more offended than when their ceremonies and practices are flouted. Seeking to oppress them is sometimes a proof of the esteem one has for them; flouting their customs is always a mark of contempt.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Finally, the republic was crushed. And we must not blame it on the ambition of certain individuals; we must blame it on man—a being whose greed for power keeps increasing the more he has of it, and who desires all only because he already possesses much.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Besides, during civil wars great men are often produced, because in the confusion those with merit come to the fore. Each man finds his own place and rank, whereas at other times each is given his place, and almost always wrongly.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Much is said of Caesar's great fortune. But this extraordinary man had so many great qualities, without a single defect—although he had many vices—that it would have been very difficult for him not to have been victorious, whatever army he commanded, and not to have governed any republic in which he was born.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Excessive preference given to a citizen in a republic always has necessary effects. It either makes the people envious or increases their love beyond measure.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

When one accords honors, one knows precisely what one gives; but when power is joined to them, one cannot say how far it may be stretched.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Since Rome was made for expansion, honors and power had to be united in the same persons, which in times of trouble could fix the admiration of the people on a single citizen.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 11

[philosopher--queen-blog]

I believe the sect of Epicurus, which was introduced at Rome toward the end of the republic, contributed much toward tainting the heart and mind of the Romans.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 10

[philosopher--queen-blog]

It is a matter of common observance that good laws, which have made a small republic grow large, become a burden to it when it is enlarged. For they were such that their natural effect was to create a good people, not to govern it.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 9

[philosopher--queen-blog]

It was the greatness of the [Roman] republic that caused all the trouble and changed popular tumults into civil wars. There had to be dissensions in Rome, for warriors who were so proud, so audacious, so terrible abroad could not be very moderate at home. To ask for men in a free state who are bold in war and timid in peace is to wish the impossible.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 9

[philosopher--queen-blog]

Those who obey a king are less tormented by envy and jealousy than those who live under a hereditary aristocracy. They prince is so distant from him that he is almost unseen by them. And he is so far above them that they can conceive of no relationship on his part capable of shocking them. But the nobles who govern are visible to all.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 8

[philosopher--queen-blog]

By imbuing the people with hatred for kings, they gave them an immoderate desire for liberty.

M. De Montesquieu, Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline, Chapter 8