Pierre Beaumarchais

Date of Birth: January 24, 1732

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 18, 1799

Biography

Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was born in Paris, France, and became one of the foremost dramatists of the 18th century. Initially trained as a watchmaker, he invented an escapement mechanism that improved the accuracy of watches. His invention brought him to the attention of King Louis XV’s court, where he soon became a music teacher and courtier. Beaumarchais is most famously known for his plays “The Barber of Seville” and “The Marriage of Figaro,” which were significant in their critique of the aristocracy and contributed to the sentiments leading up to the French Revolution. Besides his literary work, Beaumarchais was a spy, businessman, and arms dealer who played a critical role in supplying arms to the American revolutionaries during the American War of Independence.

5 Interesting Facts about Pierre Beaumarchais

1. Pierre Beaumarchais was born Pierre-Augustin Caron but took the name “Beaumarchais” after acquiring a country estate of the same name.

2. He invented a new type of escapement for watches that significantly improved their accuracy.

3. Beaumarchais’ play “The Marriage of Figaro” was initially banned by King Louis XVI for its criticism of the aristocracy.

4. He was instrumental in supplying arms to the American revolutionaries, using his own resources and dealing through the fictional company “Roderigue Hortalez and Company.”

5. Beaumarchais was involved in multiple legal disputes and was even imprisoned, showcasing his turbulent relationship with the authorities.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Pierre Beaumarchais

1. “It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them.”

2. “I quickly laugh at everything, for fear of having to cry.”

3. “Where love is concerned, too much is not even enough.”

4. “The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”

5. “Only little secrets need to be protected. The large ones are kept secret by public incredulity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Beaumarchais was considered to be one of the wealthiest men in France, with a net worth equivalent to several million livres (the old French currency).