Raymond Aron

Date of Birth: March 14, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: October 17, 1983

Biography

Raymond Claude Ferdinand Aron was a French philosopher, sociologist, political scientist, and journalist. Born on March 14, 1905, in Paris, Aron became one of the most influential intellectuals of the 20th century. He is best known for his critical stance on Marxist theory and his advocacy for liberal democracy. Aron studied at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy. He served as a professor at several institutions, including the Sorbonne and the Collège de France. During World War II, Aron fled to London, where he worked for the Free French Forces and wrote for the newspaper “La France Libre.” After the war, he became a prominent journalist for “Le Figaro” and later “L’Express,” where he wrote extensively on political and social issues. Aron published numerous influential works, including “The Opium of the Intellectuals” (1955), “The Industrial Society” (1959), and “Peace and War: A Theory of International Relations” (1962). Aron’s work often contrasted the ideological fervor of the left with a pragmatic approach to political and social issues. He was a vocal critic of totalitarianism and a proponent of individual liberty, making him a key figure in the intellectual debates of his time. He passed away on October 17, 1983, leaving a lasting legacy in the fields of philosophy and sociology.

5 Interesting Facts about Raymond Aron

1. Raymond Aron was a contemporary and rival of Jean-Paul Sartre, often engaging in intellectual debates with him.

2. Aron received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest honors, in recognition of his contributions to philosophy and sociology.

3. He was a key figure in the founding of the French Sociological Association.

4. Aron was a staunch critic of the student protests in May 1968 in France, advocating for a more moderate approach.

5. Despite his critical stance on Marxism, Aron maintained a nuanced view, acknowledging some of its insights while rejecting its determinism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Raymond Aron

1. “The last resort of kings, the cannon, is also the last resort of the oppressed.”

2. “To be free is not to have everything one desires but to be able to choose among alternatives.”

3. “Intellectuals cannot operate at the same level as the masses; they must raise the masses to their own level.”

4. “Peace is impossible, war is improbable.”

5. “Man is condemned to choose; this is what makes him human.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Raymond Aron’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a prominent intellectual and professor, he likely achieved a comfortable but modest financial status compared to contemporary business figures.