Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu
- Born:
- January 18, 1689, Château de la Brède, near Bordeaux, France
- Died:
- February 10, 1755, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Political Philosopher, Writer, Judge
Early Life and Education
- Born into a noble family.
- Educated at the Oratorian Collège de Juilly.
- Studied law at the University of Bordeaux, graduating in 1708.
- Worked as a counselor in the Parliament of Bordeaux, a provincial appellate court.
Career and Major Achievements
- Inherited the title of Baron de Montesquieu and the presidency of the Parliament of Bordeaux upon his uncle's death in 1716.
- Gained literary recognition with the publication of Persian Letters in 1721.
- Traveled extensively throughout Europe, studying political systems and customs, particularly in England.
- Resigned from his judicial post in 1726 to dedicate himself to writing and scholarship.
- Published his magnum opus, The Spirit of the Laws, in 1748.
Notable Works
- Persian Letters (1721)
- Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and their Decline (1734)
- The Spirit of the Laws (1748)
Legacy and Impact
Montesquieu's theories on the separation of powers and checks and balances had a profound influence on the development of constitutional government around the world. His ideas, particularly as expressed in The Spirit of the Laws, are fundamental to understanding the evolution of modern political thought. Considering a 'montesquieu biografia resumen corto', it is clear that his contributions were vital to the formation of democratic principles.