The best government is that which governs least.
Separation of powers
While similar ideas are present, this exact phrasing is more commonly attributed to Thomas Jefferson or Henry David Thoreau. Montesquieu's emphasis was on balanced government, not necessarily minimal government.
N/A (attributed)
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Cross Reference
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"The severity of punishments is more dangerous to liberty than the state of nature itself."
Shocking"The English are the people in the world who have best known how to take advantage of each of these three great things: religion, commerce, and liberty."
Controversial"There is no nation in the world that has more need of religion than the English."
Controversial"Slavery is not only natural but useful to certain peoples."
Controversial"The greatest changes are not made by great men, but by small causes."
Humorous