"It is not the young people that degenerate; they are not spoiled till those of mature age are already sunk into corruption"

This quote by Charles de Montesquieu suggests that it is not the youths who are responsible for the ethical decrease of society, however rather those of mature age. He implies that the young are not damaged until those of fully grown age have currently sunk into corruption. This recommends that the young are more impressionable and can be quickly affected by the actions of those around them. Montesquieu is recommending that it is the obligation of those of fully grown age to set a good example for the young, as they are most likely to follow their lead. He is also suggesting that the young are not to blame for the ethical decrease of society, as they are not the ones initiating it. Montesquieu is stressing the significance of setting a fine example for the young, as they are most likely to follow it. He is also suggesting that it is the duty of those of mature age to guarantee that the young are not corrupted by the moral decline of society.