QUOTE
[....Locke's] obsession of constructing an ideal system of government [ gave way in Montesquieu] to the recognition of the infinite variety of peoples who require governmental orders in accordance with their historic individualities.
If a system of institutions is well adapted to the general spirit of a people, it has become so strongly individualized, in the opinion of Montesquieu, that it is unusable for any other people. (Montesquieu might be read with profit by the incurable provincials who believe that a system of government that has worked in one country is a panacea for the evils of the world.)
END QUOTE
- Eric Voegelin
Provocative snippets to read & think on
[....Locke's] obsession of constructing an ideal system of government [ gave way in Montesquieu] to the recognition of the infinite variety of peoples who require governmental orders in accordance with their historic individualities.
If a system of institutions is well adapted to the general spirit of a people, it has become so strongly individualized, in the opinion of Montesquieu, that it is unusable for any other people. (Montesquieu might be read with profit by the incurable provincials who believe that a system of government that has worked in one country is a panacea for the evils of the world.)
END QUOTE
- Eric Voegelin
Provocative snippets to read & think on