Benjamin Constant

Benjamin Constant (1767–1830) is widely considered to be one of the most important figures of the Enlightenment period. He was a prolific writer and philosopher whose ideas had a lasting influence on modern political thought.

Born Benjamin Constant de Rebecque in Lausanne, Switzerland, he was raised by a wealthy and well-connected family. His father had fought in the American War of Independence, and his mother was descended from the French Huguenots, the Protestant minority of the 17th and 18th century who faced persecution in France.

In 1786, Constant attended the College de Conservatoire where he studied subjects such as French literature, Modern Greek, and literature in general. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented individual, with a practical and logical approach to thought which impressed his fellow students and teachers.

In 1787, Constant left the College de Conservatoire and embarked on a journey on board the frigate La Fleur. He made his way to the Netherlands and then to England, where he explored the places and people that would later come to inform his writing.

When he returned to France, Constant was well-known for his dedication to philosophy, particularly his dry wit and ability to think outside the bounds of the traditional Enlightenment thought. During this time, he developed a close relationship with some of the leading Enlightenment figures, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and many others.

In 1793, he was arrested by the revolutionary government, who suspected him of helping foreign counter-revolutionaries. After being released, he fled to England, where he wrote his first book Essai sur les principes de la politique et le gouvernement représentatif (Essay on the Principles of Politics and Representative Government). This book was incredibly well-received, and it was considered by many to be a cornerstone of modern political thought.

In 1798, Constant began to explore religious philosophy and the concept of liberty, and he wrote the book De la religion (On Religion). This book established Constant as the pre-eminent Enlightenment figure in religious liberalism and further established his reputation as a public intellectual.

In 1814, Constant wrote An Account of the Liberty of the Ancients Compared with that of the Moderns, a highly influential treatise which compared the ancient and modern civil liberties. This seminal work argued that ancient civil liberties were in many ways superior to those enjoyed by moderns.

Throughout his career, Constant wrote many other works, such as Adolphe, The Principles of Politics Applied to the French Government, The Impartiality of Judges and Pleaders, and Reflections on Politics, Religion, and Literature.

Constant is primarily remembered today for his innovative and highly influential philosophical ideas, which have had a lasting impact on modern political thought. He is highly respected for his passionate, insightful writings about the principles of liberty, equality, justice and the need to adhere to the rule of law. As a result of his influence, Constant has often been referred to as the ‘Father of Liberalism’. He remains an important figure of the Enlightenment period and one of history’s most important political thinkers.