“Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“Countries are well cultivated, not as they are fertile, but as they are free.”
Explanation
Montesquieu argues that the prosperity of a nation depends more on political freedom than on natural abundance. Fertility—rich soil and favorable climate—may offer potential, but without liberty, initiative and industry cannot flourish. Freedom encourages innovation, hard work, and the responsible use of resources, while oppression stifles these virtues regardless of how fertile the land may be.
This reflects Montesquieu’s broader Enlightenment belief that liberty is the foundation of a flourishing society, both politically and economically. In The Spirit of the Laws, he emphasized that free citizens are more likely to invest in and improve their land and communities, because they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. Conversely, under tyranny or heavy-handed rule, people lose the incentive to work productively, knowing they may be arbitrarily taxed or dispossessed.
In modern terms, this insight still holds true. Nations with fewer natural resources—such as Japan or Switzerland—have thrived through freedom of enterprise, transparent institutions, and legal protections, while some resource-rich countries struggle due to corruption and authoritarianism. Montesquieu reminds us that freedom, not just fertility, is the true engine of national development and prosperity.
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