“Lunch kills half of Paris, supper the other half.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“Lunch kills half of Paris, supper the other half.”
Explanation
Montesquieu delivers a satirical remark on the indulgent lifestyle of the Parisian elite, suggesting that excessive eating—symbolized by lunch and supper—is slowly destroying society. It is not literal death he refers to, but rather a moral, intellectual, or physical decline brought on by gluttony, decadence, and idleness. In this quip, meals become metaphors for a culture more concerned with pleasure than with purpose.
This kind of social critique aligns with Montesquieu’s broader Enlightenment concerns about luxury, excess, and the corruption of civic virtue. In republics, he believed, luxury weakens the moral fiber of citizens, leading to self-interest, inequality, and political decay. His comment reflects a belief that civilization can be undone not just by war or poverty, but by comfort and overindulgence.
In today’s context, the quote remains relevant as a critique of consumer culture, sedentary lifestyles, and excess in affluent societies. It reminds us that comfort, if unchecked, can dull the mind and weaken civic engagement. Montesquieu’s wit delivers a deeper message: true vitality in a society comes not from the table, but from the character and activity of its people.
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