Marquis De Custine

Date of Birth: March 18, 1790

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: September 25, 1857

Biography

Adolphe Louis Émile Marquis de Custine, commonly known as Marquis de Custine, was a notable French aristocrat, author, and journalist born on March 18, 1790. He is best known for his travel writing, particularly his seminal work “La Russie en 1839” (“Russia in 1839”), which offered a critical analysis of Russian society and governance during the reign of Nicholas I. Custine was born in Niderviller, France, to an aristocratic family. His father and grandfather were both victims of the French Revolution, significantly impacting his worldview and writings. Custine initially pursued a career in literature and gained recognition in French literary circles. After traveling extensively across Europe, he published several travel books, but it was his journey to Russia that solidified his reputation as a penetrating and often controversial observer of foreign cultures. Despite facing criticism for his candid observations, Custine’s work remains a valuable historical document, offering insights into 19th-century Russia.

5 Interesting Facts about Marquis De Custine

1. Marquis de Custine’s grandfather, General Adam-Philippe de Custine, was executed during the Reign of Terror in the French Revolution.

2. He was an open homosexual at a time when such an orientation was not socially accepted, which influenced his critical view of societal norms.

3. Custine’s book “La Russie en 1839” was banned in Russia shortly after its publication due to its critical portrayal of the Russian autocracy.

4. He was friends with several notable literary figures of his time, including Honoré de Balzac and Marquis de Sade.

5. Custine’s observations in “La Russie en 1839” are considered by some historians as prophetic, foreseeing the eventual fall of the Russian Empire.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marquis De Custine

1. “Despotism, once it has taken root, is the most tenacious weed.”

2. “In Russia, all is contradiction: the government is absolute, but it is not obeyed.”

3. “To govern well, one must see human beings as they are, not as they should be.”

4. “The veneer of civilization is very thin in Russia.”

5. “A society which is ruled by fear is a society that cannot stand.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Marquis de Custine’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but as a member of the French aristocracy, he would have had substantial inherited wealth. However, his net worth significantly decreased due to the political upheavals and personal misfortunes that befell his family.