In the old Flemish town of Arras, known in the diplomatic history of the fifteenth century by a couple of important treaties, and famous in the industrial history of the Middle Ages for its pre-eminence in the manufacture of the most splendid kind of tapestry hangings, Maximilian Robespierre was born in May 1758. He was therefore no more than five and thirty years old when he came to his ghastly end in 1794. His father was a lawyer, and, though the surname of the family had the prefix of n...

According to Wikipedia: "Edmund Burke PC (12 January [NS] 1729 9 July 1797) was an Anglo-Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist, and philosopher who, after relocating to England, served for many years in the House of Commons of Great Britain as a member of the Whig party. He is mainly remembered for his opposition to the French Revolution. It led to his becoming the leading figure within the conservative faction of the Whig party, which he dubbed the "Old Whigs", in opposition...

Biography of Voltaire by John Morley.John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn, (1838 – 1923), was a British Liberal statesman, writer and newspaper editor. Morley was a Trustee of the British Museum from 1894 to 1921, Honorary Professor of Ancient Literature at the Royal Academy of Arts, and member of the Historical Manuscripts Commission. He was Chancellor of the Victoria University of Manchester from 1908 until 1923, when he resigned. He was nominated for a Nobel prize in li...

In "Diderot and the Encyclopaedists," John Morley provides a meticulous exploration of the philosophical and cultural landscape of the Enlightenment, focusing specifically on Denis Diderot and his collaborative effort in the creation of the Encyclopédie. Morley employs a narrative style that marries historical rigor with an engaging prose, illuminating the social and intellectual currents that influenced Diderot's thought. The book situates Diderot not only as a pivotal figure in the Enli...

"Indian Speeches (1907-1909)" by John Morley is a compelling collection that captures the essence of India's struggle for self-governance during a pivotal time in its history. Morley, a prominent British politician and writer, eloquently articulates the aspirations and grievances of the Indian populace. His speeches reflect a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape of India, advocating for reforms and greater autonomy. Through his words, Morley seeks to bridge the gap between B...

"Diderot and the Encyclopaedists" by John Morley explores the intellectual landscape of the Enlightenment, focusing on Denis Diderot and his pivotal role in the creation of the Encyclopédie. This monumental work aimed to compile and disseminate knowledge across various fields, challenging traditional authority and promoting reason and scientific inquiry. Morley delves into Diderot's philosophy, his collaborations with other Enlightenment thinkers, and the impact of the Encyclopédie on soci...

Christianity originally and generically at once awoke and satisfied a spiritual craving for a higher, purer, less torn and fragmentary being, than is permitted to sons of men on the troubled and corrupt earth. It disclosed to them a gracious, benevolent, and all-powerful being, who would one day redress all wrongs and recompense all pain, and who asked no more from them meanwhile than that they should prove their love of him whom they had not seen, by love of their brothers whom they had s...

"Critical Miscellanies, Vol. 3 of 3" by John Morley is a collection of essays that delve into the life and thoughts of the influential philosopher John Stuart Mill. In the second essay, "The Death of Mr Mill," Morley reflects on Mill's profound impact on liberal thought and the intellectual landscape of his time. He examines Mill's contributions to philosophy, economics, and social theory, highlighting how Mill's ideas continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about liberty, individ...

"Critical Miscellanies Vol. 3 of 3, Essay 6: Harriet Martineau" is a profound exploration of the life and works of Harriet Martineau, a pioneering figure in sociology and literature. John Morley, the author, delves into Martineau's contributions to social thought, her advocacy for women's rights, and her role in popularizing sociology as a discipline. Morley highlights her unique perspective on the social issues of her time, emphasizing her ability to blend personal narrative with rigorous...

"Critical Miscellanies, Vol. 1, Essay 3: Byron" by John Morley is a profound exploration of the life and works of the renowned poet Lord Byron. Morley delves into Byron's complex character, examining his contributions to literature and the impact of his personal experiences on his writing. The essay highlights Byron's unique style, his romantic ideals, and the controversies that surrounded him, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of his legacy. Morley's insightful analysis invit...

"Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 10: Auguste Comte" by John Morley is a profound exploration of the philosophical contributions of Auguste Comte, the founder of positivism. Morley delves into Comte's ideas on the progression of human knowledge and the importance of scientific reasoning in understanding society. He highlights Comte's vision of a new social order based on empirical evidence and rational thought, emphasizing the transformative power of science in shaping human affa...

Morley highlights Vauvenargues' belief in the significance of moral sentiment and the role of individual character in shaping human experience. He emphasizes Vauvenargues’ critique of the overly rationalistic philosophies of his time, arguing instead for a more nuanced understanding of human emotions and their influence on behavior. Morley discusses Vauvenargues’ writings, which advocate for a balance between reason and passion, illustrating how these themes resonate with the philosophical...