Interpret this passage from Charles de Montesquieu’s text, "The Spirit of the Laws": We must have constantly present in our minds the difference between independence and liberty. Liberty is a right of doing whatever the laws permit, and if a citizen could do what they forbid he would no longer be possessed of liberty. Independence and liberty are essentially the same concept, but people prefer liberty when forced to choose. Liberty exists without regard for laws passed by any government and this is why it is central to indepedence. If individuals pursue what they wish rather than what the law permits, they will eventually lose their liberty. Independence is more precious to democracy than is liberty and should be pursued at all costs.