Freedom of the Ancients and Freedom of the Moderns: A Collection of Political Essays by Alexis de Tocqueville: A Collection of Political Essays by Alexis de Tocqueville

Author: Constant
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: Although Constant had an evaluation of the French Revolution, strictly speaking, before 1895, he was merely an observer of the revolution rather than a participant. The turning point in this situation was his relationship with Madame de Sta?l. Madame de Sta?l was the daughter of the famous French revolutionary politician Necker and an outstanding liberal political activist and writer. Constant met Madame de Sta?l in Switzerland in 18po, and from then on, he embarked on a fourteen-year-long romantic relationship filled with emotional storms. This relationship had a profound impact on Constant's life. Madame de Sta?l not only helped his political activities but also influenced his political views, and she also inspired his literary passion. Constant's famous novel Adolphe is largely an autobiographical work describing his relationship with Madame de Sta?l. In 1895, Constant followed Madame de Sta?l to Paris and immediately became involved in French political life. He was a key figure in Madame de Sta?l's salon, which had a huge influence not only in France but also in Europe. Together with Madame de Sta?l, he vigorously defended the rule of the Thermidorians, criticized the counter-revolutionary monarchists, and attacked the Jacobins from both the left and the right as threats to the moderate regime. Starting in 1796, Constant successively published a series of political treatises. Among the most important of these is On the Strength of the Present French Government and the Necessity of Its Support (1796). In this treatise, he strongly advocated "ending the revolution." He wrote, "I strongly desire to end this revolution because continuing it would harm freedom. This is also why I strongly advocate strengthening our republic. All noble and great enterprises in the destiny of humanity are linked to the fate of the republic."