La part précieuse de la beauté du monde

Abstract:

Before the disappointment caused by the French Revolution, which led to the strengthening of her philosophical pessimism, Isabelle de Charrière published some articles detailing her ideas on political reforms. Assuming the voice of different characters, in particular a bishop, she tried to demonstrate to the French and Dutch people the dangers associated with losing national conscience and feeling. Through two different publications, Observations et conjectures politiques (1787-1788) and Lettres d’un évêque français à la nation (1789), Isabelle de Charrière’s political message focuses on the sense of responsibility of each man or woman, and the rejection of seeking wealth. The author insists on the necessity of developing moral strength and a sense of justice. Inspired by the situation of Switzerland, Isabelle de Charrière projects over the European Nations the lights of a classical republicanism.

SvD, December 2014

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• Publications > Belle de Zuylen Papers > 2014 > Mendes Baiao