Single Idea 20008

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / c. A unified people]

Full Idea

Men are ruled by many causes: climate, religion, laws, maxims of government, examples drawn from the pasts, customs, manners. Out of them is formed the general spirit of a nation.

Gist of Idea

People are guided by a multitude of influences, from which the spirit of a nation emerges

Source

Baron de Montesquieu (The Spirit of the Laws (rev. 1757) [1748], 19.04)

Book Reference

Montesquieu,Baron de: 'Selected Political Writings', ed/tr. Richter,Melvin [Hackett 1990], p.207


A Reaction

This is one step away from Rousseau's general will, which is an attempt to give precise expression to this 'spirit of a nation'.