Full Idea
In monarchies, men's actions are judged, not by whether they are good, but whether they appear attractive [belles]; not by whether they are just, but whether they appear grand; not by whether they are reasonable, but by whether they appear extraordinary.
Gist of Idea
In monarchies, men's actions are judged by their grand appearance, not their virtues
Source
Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 04.02)
Book Reference
Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.134
A Reaction
A person that comes to mind is the Duke of Buckingham under James I and Charles I. Or the Earl of Essex under Elizabeth I.