"A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them for a century."

"In most things success depends on knowing how long it takes to succeed."

baron de montesquieu

Born Charles-Louis de Secondat, but known to history as simply Montesquieu.

Proposed the theory of separation of powers, which was the cornerstone of the Constitution.

He also supported the system of checks and balances so no branch got too much power.