Buddhism Quote by Jerry Z. Muller
““To realize the Enlightenment ideals of formal equality, the rule of law, freedom of commerce, and religious toleration, Voltaire and many of the other philosophes looked to absolutist monarchs, whose policies they hoped to influence. The support of the philosophes for the expansion of the monarch's sovereign power was tactical. It arose not out of a principled belief in the throne, but out of the recognition that only a strong monarchy had the power to override the resistance to enlightened legislation by the privileged churches, estates, and corporations that made up continental European society. (p. 45)””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Enlightenment: The Pursuit of Happiness, 2020
Philosophes supported strong monarchs to push reforms because only a powerful state could overcome entrenched interests.
In simple terms: Enlightenment thinkers used monarchs to advance reforms.
Key Takeaway
Strategic alliances can further progressive goals.
Themes
politics
strategy
reform
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy advocacy
- legal reforms
- historical analysis
- modern governance
Key Concepts
tactical alliances
state power
enlightenment ideals
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to compromise ideals for practical gains?
- What are the risks of empowering authoritarian regimes?
A Different Perspective
Relying on authoritarian power risks compromising principles.
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