I myself think God has four sides

Let's hear from our old friend the Baron de Montesquieu again. (See Jan. 3.) He was born on this day in 1689. He wrote:

"An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations."

And also: "If the triangles made a god, they would give him three sides."

Orator or bore-ator?

The Roman orator Cicero was born on this day in 106 B.C.

"What orators lack in depth they make up to you in length." -- Montesquieu.




Cicero is still known today, for his pithy comments such as "Honor is the reward of virtue" and "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need." But he could also be something of a cynic at times. "For a tear is quickly dried," he wrote, "especially when shed for the misfortunes of others."

He also said: "There is nothing so absurd but some philosopher has said it."