Maximilien Robespierre
Maximilien Robespierre
Full Name and Common Aliases
Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre was a French politician and lawyer who played a key role in the French Revolution.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 6, 1758, in Arras, France; died on July 28, 1794, during the Reign of Terror.
Nationality and Profession(s)
French; lawyer and politician
Early Life and Background
Maximilien Robespierre was born into a family of lawyers. His father, François Maximilien Barthélémy de Robespierre, was a prominent figure in the local government of Arras. Maximilien's early life was marked by a strong sense of social justice and a desire to improve the lives of the poor. He studied law and began practicing at the age of 23.
Major Accomplishments
Robespierre quickly rose through the ranks of French politics, becoming a member of the Estates-General in 1789. He played a key role in drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which enshrined the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity that would guide the Revolution.
Notable Works or Actions
Robespierre was a passionate advocate for democracy and social justice. He introduced several laws aimed at reducing inequality and increasing education, including the Le Chapelier Law, which banned the formation of labor unions. His most notable contribution to the Revolution was his role in creating the Committee of Public Safety, which oversaw the Reign of Terror.
Impact and Legacy
Robespierre's impact on French history is complex and multifaceted. While he played a crucial role in shaping the Revolution, his association with the Reign of Terror has led many to view him as a ruthless dictator. However, his commitment to social justice and democracy continues to inspire movements for change around the world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robespierre's quotes often reflect his passion for social justice and his conviction that politics should be guided by moral principles. His most famous phrase, "Terror is only justice prompt, severe and inflexible," reflects the brutal reality of the Reign of Terror, but also highlights his commitment to using extreme measures to achieve revolutionary goals.
Throughout his life, Robespierre was deeply influenced by the Enlightenment thinkers he studied, including Rousseau and Voltaire. His own writings reflect a strong sense of moral purpose and a desire to create a more just society.
Today, Robespierre's legacy is still debated among historians and scholars. While some view him as a ruthless dictator who hijacked the Revolution, others see him as a champion of democracy and social justice. Regardless of one's perspective on his actions, it is clear that Robespierre played a pivotal role in shaping French history and continues to inspire movements for change around the world.
As a quote from the man himself puts it: "The love of country which animates my heart will always be the most efficacious means of rendering useful services to France." This statement reflects his deep commitment to serving the nation, even if that meant taking extreme measures to achieve his goals.
Quotes by Maximilien Robespierre
A nation is truly corrupted when having... lost its character and it’s liberty, it passes from democracy to aristocracy or to monarchy. That is the decrepitude and death of the body politic...
Virtue, without which terror is destructive; terror, without which virtue is impotent. Terror is only justice prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue.
There are only two parties in France: the people and its enemies. We must exterminate those miserable villains who are eternally conspiring against the rights of man... We must exterminate all our enemies.
To defend the oppressed against their oppressors, to plead the cause of the weak against the strong who exploit and crush them, this is the duty of all hearts that have not been spoiled by egoism and corruption.
It is with regret that I pronounce the fatal truth: Louis ought to perish rather than a hundred thousand virtuous citizens; Louis must die that the country may live.
When a Banker jumps out of a window, jump after him – that’s where the money is.
We must smother the internal and external enemies of the Republic or perish with it; now in this situation, the first maxim of your policy ought to be to lead the people by reason and the people’s enemies by terror.
