Joseph de Maistre

Date of Birth: April 1, 1753

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: February 26, 1821

Biography

Joseph de Maistre was a Savoyard philosopher, writer, lawyer, and diplomat who was a key figure in the counter-Enlightenment. He was born on April 1, 1753, in Chambéry, which was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia at that time. Maistre is best known for his staunch defense of monarchy and his critique of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. His works have influenced many conservative thinkers and are considered crucial texts in the tradition of reactionary thought. Maistre’s career as a diplomat began after he completed his studies in law. He held several significant positions, including serving as a magistrate and senator in the Savoyard Senate. During the French Revolution, he was forced into exile and traveled extensively across Europe, including stays in Switzerland and Russia. As a diplomat, he served as the Sardinian envoy to the Russian court in St. Petersburg from 1803 to 1817. He wrote several influential works, including “Considérations sur la France” (Considerations on France) and “Du Pape” (On the Pope), where he articulated his thoughts on the necessity of religious and political authority. His writings argue for the divine right of kings and the essential role of the Catholic Church in maintaining social order. Maistre passed away on February 26, 1821, in Turin, Italy.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph de Maistre

1. Joseph de Maistre was a key advocate for the divine right of kings and believed that monarchies were divinely sanctioned.

2. He served as a diplomat in Russia for 14 years, significantly influencing his conservative viewpoints.

3. Maistre was a vehement critic of the French Revolution, which he saw as a catastrophic event that undermined social and religious order.

4. He was well-versed in several languages, including French, Italian, Latin, and Russian.

5. Maistre’s work “Du Pape” argued for the infallibility of the Pope and the essential role of the papacy in global politics.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph de Maistre

1. “Every country has the government it deserves.”

2. “Man in general, if reduced to himself, is too wicked to be free.”

3. “All grandeur, all power, all subordination rests on the executioner: he is the horror and bond of human association.”

4. “There is no philosophy without theology.”

5. “The counter-revolution will not be a reverse revolution, but the contrary of the Revolution.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

There are no records of Joseph de Maistre achieving significant personal wealth or a high net worth, as he primarily served in governmental and diplomatic roles and his influence was more intellectual and philosophical.

Children

Joseph de Maistre had four children with his wife, Françoise de Morand. Their names were: 1. Rodolphe de Maistre 2. Adèle de Maistre 3. Constance de Maistre 4. Albert de Maistre