Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
=====================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
-----------------------------
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais was a French polymath, statesman, inventor, and writer. He is often referred to as the "Greatest of all Frenchmen" due to his numerous contributions to various fields.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Beaumarchais was born on January 24, 1732, in Paris, France. He passed away on May 18, 1799, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Beaumarchais was a French national with multiple professions throughout his life: writer, statesman, musician, inventor, diplomat, and spy. His various careers often overlapped, showcasing his multifaceted personality.
Early Life and Background
---------------------------
Born to Claude Caron and Madeleine Hachard, Beaumarchais grew up in a modest household with a strong emphasis on education. He was the eldest of four children and demonstrated exceptional intelligence from an early age. As a young boy, he worked as a clerk in his father's watchmaking business before pursuing formal education.
Beaumarchais' interest in music led him to study under Jean-Philippe Rameau, one of France's most renowned composers at the time. This tutelage not only honed his musical skills but also provided an opportunity for him to meet influential people in Parisian society.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Statesman and Diplomat
Beaumarchais' involvement in politics began during the reign of King Louis XV, when he served as a secretary to the French Ambassador to Sweden. He later became involved with the French Revolution, advocating for liberty, equality, and fraternity. His diplomatic efforts led to the Treaty of Paris (1783), which ended the American Revolutionary War.
Inventor
As an inventor, Beaumarchais is credited with creating various musical instruments and devices, including a precursor to the modern harmonica and a device to transmit music over wires. Although some of his inventions were not entirely original, they showcased his ingenuity and innovative spirit.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Beaumarchais' literary works include plays, operas, and librettos that often addressed social issues and politics. Some notable examples include:
The Barber of Seville: A play that pokes fun at the excesses of the upper class while also highlighting Beaumarchais' wit and satire.
The Marriage of Figaro: A play that critiques the social norms of 18th-century France, featuring a clever and resourceful servant who outwits his masters.
Beaumarchais also wrote several operas, including Le Barbier de Séville (1789) and La Mère Opéra (1790). His contributions to literature demonstrate his ability to balance wit, satire, and social commentary with engaging storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais left an indelible mark on French history. He was a true Renaissance man who excelled in multiple fields, inspiring future generations of artists, writers, and statesmen.
Beaumarchais' dedication to the French Revolution's ideals led to his imprisonment by the royal authorities. However, after the monarchy fell in 1792, he continued to serve the new government as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
-----------------------------------------
Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais' quotes and writings are often referenced due to their wit, satire, and commentary on social issues. His life serves as a testament to the power of human ingenuity, creativity, and innovation.
Quotes by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
FIGARO. Defending the public good and promoting personal happiness—seems to me, that as schemes go this one, your Lordship, morally speaking, is masterly.
SUZZANE. If our play of the Follies of a Day,Has something serious to say,It is that folly must have its seasonTo give a human face to reason.
Il ne faut pas me dire deux fois les choses ; il ne faut pas me les dire deux fois.
FIGARO Usage, Mr Clerk, is often another name for abusage. Every client with a rudimentary education always has a better grasp of his own case than some floundering lawyer who loves the sound of his own voice, knows everything except the facts, and is no more concerned about ruining his client than about boring the court and putting their worships to sleep. And afterwards he is as pleased with himself as if he’d personally written the oration Pro Murena, Cicero’s finest.
FIGARO. The guiltiest have the hardest hearts. ’Twas ever thus.
COUNT. Best grin and bear it. What can't be cured must be endured.
FIGARO. The way I see it, sir, a man can only choose between being stupid or mad.
FIGARO. Of course. Ever since people started noticing that in time yesterday’s inanity turns into today’s wisdom, and that little old lies, planted haphazardly, grow into vast and mighty truths, there have been countless varieties! Truths you know but cannot reveal, for not every truth is suitable for telling. Truths you repeat but don’t believe, for not every truth is worth believing.
I grant men the land, the government, the wealth, all the chances. I accept that you have to hold all the cards, since that's the only way you know how to play; but I refuse to swallow your disrespect.