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Sebastien-Roch Nicolas De ChamfortFrench writer, thinker, moralist.
Date of Birth: 06.04.1741
Country:  France |
Content:
- Biography of Sébastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort
- A Literary Figure
- The French Revolution
- National Library Director
- Legacy
- Publications in Russian
Biography of Sébastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort
Sébastien-Roch Nicolas de Chamfort was a French writer, thinker, and moralist. He was born as an illegitimate child and was raised by his foster parents, François Nicolas and his wife Thérèse Cruet. Chamfort completed his studies at the University of Paris.
A Literary Figure
Chamfort wrote poetry and comedies, earning a living through his literary works. He became a renowned figure in the salons of Paris. In 1781, he was elected as a member of the French Academy.
The French Revolution
Chamfort welcomed the French Revolution and actively participated in the storming of the Bastille. In 1790-1791, he served as the secretary of the Jacobin Club and was close friends with Mirabeau, writing texts for his public speeches.
National Library Director
In 1792, Chamfort was appointed as the director of the National Library. However, in 1793, he was arrested due to a denunciation for his opposition to the Reign of Terror. He was released a few days later. Fearing another arrest, Chamfort attempted to take his own life, but was saved by doctors. Unfortunately, he passed away a few weeks later from the injuries he had inflicted upon himself.
Legacy
Chamfort's poetry and dramatic works are largely forgotten today. However, he remains a significant figure in history for his book of observations and aphorisms, "Maxims and Thoughts, Characters and Anecdotes," which was published posthumously in 1795 by one of his friends. His writings had a profound influence on European and American aphorism, from Ambrose Bierce and Friedrich Nietzsche to Emil Cioran and Nicolás Gómez Dávila.
Publications in Russian
"Maxims and Thoughts, Characters and Anecdotes" - edited by S.N. Iskulyem. St. Petersburg: Mir Publishing House, 2007.
