For the Soul of France
Can a political society really be governed by reflection and election, by reason and truth, rather than by accident and violence, by prejudice and deceit? Is there any arrangement of government—any constitution—by which it’s possible for a people to rule themselves, justly and fairly, and as equals, through the exercise of judgment and care? Or are
... See moreJill Lepore • These Truths
Various forces have put an end to this state of affairs. First, democracy, as embodied in the French Revolution and its aftermath. The cultured gentlemen, as after the age of Pericles, had to defend their privileges against the populace, and in the process ceased to be either gentlemen or cultured. A second cause was the rise of industrialism, with
... See moreBertrand Russell • History of Western Philosophy
Par ailleurs, l’ombre portée de la Révolution continue à peser sur la vie politique de la France du XXIe siècle dans deux dimensions fondamentales. Tout d’abord, la prime à la radicalité, la puissance du mythe du soulèvement populaire, la fascination pour la violence, la foi dans le recours à un homme providentiel. Ensuite, l’incapacité à penser le
... See moreNicolas Baverez • Le Monde selon Tocqueville: Combats pour la liberté (French Edition)
