Freedom of the Ancients and Freedom of the Moderns (Selected Political Essays of Alexis de Tocqueville)

Author: (French) Constant, translated by Yan Kewen and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Although Constant made evaluations of the French Revolution, strictly speaking, before 1895, he was merely an observer rather than a participant. The turning point in this situation was his relationship with Madame Sta?l. Madame Sta?l was the daughter of Charles de Laclos, a prominent French revolutionary politician, and an outstanding liberal political activist and writer. Constant met Madame Sta?l in Switzerland in 1780, and from then on, they began a fourteen-year-long passionate romantic relationship filled with emotional storms. This relationship had a profound impact on Constant's life. Madame Sta?l not only helped his political activities and influenced his political views but also inspired his literary passion. Constant's famous novel Adolphe is largely an autobiographical work describing his relationship with Madame Sta?l. In 1895, Constant followed Madame Sta?l to Paris and immediately became involved in French political life. He was a key figure in Madame Sta?l's salon, which had a significant influence not only in France but also in Europe. Together with Madame Sta?l, he vigorously defended the Thermidorians and criticized the anti-revolutionary monarchists, as well as the Jacobins who threatened the moderate regime from both the left and the right. Starting in 1796, Constant successively published a series of political works. Among the most important is On the Strength of the Present French Government and the Necessity of Its Support (1796). In this work, he strongly advocated "ending the revolution." He wrote, "I strongly hope to end this revolution because continuing it would harm freedom. This is also why I vigorously advocate strengthening our republic. All noble and great causes in the destiny of humanity are linked to the fate of the republic."