“The sublimity of administration consists in knowing the proper degree of power that should be exerted on different occasions.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“The sublimity of administration consists in knowing the proper degree of power that should be exerted on different occasions.”
Explanation
Montesquieu defines the excellence—or “sublimity”—of governance as the ability to apply power with measured judgment and restraint. Rather than ruling with brute force or rigid consistency, wise administration depends on discerning how much authority is appropriate in each situation. This reflects a deep understanding of justice, human behavior, and the changing needs of society.
This principle is central to Montesquieu’s political philosophy, especially in The Spirit of the Laws, where he advocates for a government structured around the separation of powers to prevent tyranny. He believed that no single method of rule should dominate all circumstances, and that rulers must balance strength with flexibility. Good governance, in his view, is an art of proportion—not excess.
Today, the quote remains relevant in discussions of leadership, both political and organizational. A successful leader must know when to assert authority and when to step back, when to be firm and when to be conciliatory. Montesquieu reminds us that effective administration is not about power alone, but about the wisdom to use it rightly—tempering force with understanding, and rigidity with nuance.
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