Joseph de Maistre
Savoyard philosopher and forefather of modern conservatism.
He is chiefly remembered as one of the intellectual forefathers of modern conservatism and a key figure of the Counter-Enlightenment.
- field
- Political philosophy, law, diplomacy
- nationality
- Savoyard (subject of the King of Piedmont–Sardinia)
- known_for
- Advocacy of monarchism, social stratification, and papal authority; precursor of Romanticism
Lore & Background
His father was a magistrate and senator who received the title of count. Maistre was likely educated by the Jesuits and was a member of a Jesuit organization and the Penitents Noirs, a Catholic aristocratic confraternity.
Reader's Guide
Maistre's significance lies in his role as a leading counter-revolutionary thinker and a key figure of the Counter-Enlightenment. He argued that the rationalist rejection of Christianity caused the Reign of Terror and chaos following the French Revolution. He regarded monarchy as a divinely sanctioned institution and the only stable form of government, calling for the restoration of the House of Bourbon and ultimate papal authority. Despite his preference for monarchy, he acknowledged republics could be superior depending on circumstances and admired the U.S. government and the British constitution. His legacy endures as a foundational influence on modern conservatism and a critic of Enlightenment rationalism.
Did You Know?
- Maistre's younger brother Xavier became a major general and writer.
- Maistre was critical of revolutionary movements, with his primary critiques directed at the French Revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Joseph de Maistre's core political beliefs?
He championed absolute monarchy, rigid social hierarchy, and the supreme authority of the Catholic Church as the proper ordering principles for society, positioning himself firmly against the liberal and egalitarian currents of the Enlightenment.
Why is Joseph de Maistre important to political philosophy?
He is widely regarded as an intellectual forefather of modern conservatism, offering a systematic philosophical defense of tradition, religious authority, and monarchical rule that shaped reactionary thought for generations.
Where was Joseph de Maistre from and what was his profession?
He was born in Chambéry in the Duchy of Savoy, then part of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, and worked as a lawyer, diplomat, and political philosopher throughout his career.
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