Jules Michelet

Date of Birth: August 21, 1798

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: February 9, 1874

Biography

Jules Michelet was a prominent French historian born on August 21, 1798, in Paris, France. He is renowned for his vivid and impassioned writing style, which brought a new dimension to historical narratives. Michelet’s work often focused on the broad sweep of French history, emphasizing the lives and experiences of the common people rather than just the elite. His magnum opus, “Histoire de France,” covers French history from the earliest times to the French Revolution. A staunch republican and a believer in the ideals of the Revolution, Michelet’s works often reflect his political and social views. Educated at the Collège Sainte-Barbe and later at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand, Michelet displayed early brilliance in the humanities. He began his career as a teacher and quickly transitioned to writing and historical research. In 1838, he was appointed to a chair in history and ethics at the Collège de France, where his lectures were immensely popular. Michelet’s influence extended beyond academia; he played a crucial role in shaping the French public’s understanding of their own history. His passionate and often romanticized view of history helped to ignite a sense of national identity and pride. Despite facing opposition and controversy, particularly during the reign of Napoleon III, Michelet’s legacy as a pioneering historian remains influential.

5 Interesting Facts about Jules Michelet

1. Michelet’s “Histoire de France” is an extensive multi-volume work that took over three decades to complete.

2. He was a strong advocate for secular education and the separation of church and state.

3. Michelet’s wife, Athénaïs Michelet, was also a writer and helped him with his works.

4. He was deeply influenced by the Romantic movement, which is evident in his historical writing style.

5. His work on the French Revolution, “Histoire de la Révolution française,” is considered one of the most comprehensive accounts of the period.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jules Michelet

1. “To learn, to understand, to grow, to be free.”

2. “History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.”

3. “Every step towards progress, towards enlightenment, towards liberty, has been a struggle against obscurantism and tyranny.”

4. “The historian’s task is to reveal the spirit of an age, not just the facts.”

5. “A nation is not defined by its borders or the boundaries of its land, but by the collective memory of its people.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jules Michelet’s net worth is not well-documented, but as a respected academic and author, he would have had a modest income relative to his time.

Children

Jules Michelet and his first wife, Pauline Rousseau, had one son, Charles Michelet. However, Charles died young, and this loss deeply affected Michelet for the rest of his life.