“Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“Although born in a prosperous realm, we did not believe that its boundaries should limit our knowledge, and that the lore of the East should alone enlighten us.”
Explanation
Montesquieu expresses a commitment to intellectual openness and the pursuit of universal knowledge beyond the limits of one’s nation or culture. Though he acknowledges being born into a wealthy and developed society, he rejects the idea that such a background justifies intellectual complacency or cultural insularity. True enlightenment, he implies, demands curiosity that transcends borders and traditions.
This view aligns with the cosmopolitan spirit of the Enlightenment, in which Montesquieu and his contemporaries sought wisdom from diverse sources, including Eastern philosophy, classical antiquity, and contemporary science. He recognized that no single culture or region holds a monopoly on truth, and that the flourishing of reason and liberty depends on embracing a broader, global perspective.
In today’s interconnected world, the quote resonates as a call to intellectual humility and intercultural dialogue. It challenges nationalistic or ethnocentric thinking by emphasizing that knowledge, progress, and wisdom are the shared heritage of humanity—not the property of any one people or place. Montesquieu reminds us that great nations do not grow by looking inward, but by learning from the world.
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