Joseph de Maistre
Savoyard counter-revolutionary philosopher and diplomat · 1753–1821
Joseph de Maistre was a Savoyard philosopher and diplomat who opposed the French Revolution. He defended monarchy, papal authority and tradition, arguing that political order rests on divine providence.
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Estimated from their documented words and actions. A simplification, not a verdict.
No strong recorded view on regional power.
Defended absolute monarchy and opposed democracy.
Wrote that the executioner is the cornerstone of social order.
Supported the Pope as an authority above national rulers.
Saw war as divine and part of the order of the world.
Valued national customs and traditions.
Defended hierarchical property and privilege.
No strong recorded view.
No strong recorded view.
Argued political authority rests on divine providence and papal supremacy.
Defended throne and altar against revolution.
Opposed Enlightenment science and rationalism.