French
Philosopher
18 Jan 1689
10 Feb 1755
Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, commonly known as Montesquieu, was a multifaceted genius whose work spans across being a judge, historian, man of letters, and a political philosopher. Born into a noble family with a long lineage of military and noble ancestors on January 18, 1689, at Château de la Brède near Bordeaux, France, Montesquieu's early life was shaped by the loss of his mother at the age of seven and his father at twenty-four. This loss led him to inherit his title and wealth at a young age, setting the stage for his future endeavors in law and politics.
Montesquieu's education was thorough and enlightened, starting at home and continuing at the prestigious Collège de Juilly, where he was exposed to modern and enlightened ideas. After completing his law studies at the University of Bordeaux, he initially practiced law but was quickly drawn into the intellectual circles of Paris. His marriage to Jeanne de Lartigue, a wealthy Protestant, brought him a significant dowry and three children. Montesquieu's work, particularly "The Spirit of the Laws," articulated the theory of separation of powers—a concept that has become a cornerstone of modern democracies. His keen observations on government structures, climates, and cultures contributed significantly to political theory and jurisprudence, earning him a place among the great thinkers of the Enlightenment.
