Denis Diderot (1713 – 1784)

Denis Diderot (5 October 1713 – 31 July 1784) was a French philosopher, art critic, and writer. He was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment and is best known for serving as co-founder, chief editor, and contributor to the Encyclopédie along with Jean le Rond d'Alembert.

Diderot's literary reputation during his lifetime rested primarily on his plays and his contributions to the Encyclopédie; many of his most important works, including Jacques the Fatalist, Rameau's Nephew, Paradox of the Actor, and D'Alembert's Dream, were published only after his death.

Highlights:

• This philosophe worked 25 years to produce (edit) a 28 volume Encyclopedia – the first one.

• The Encyclopedia was not just a collection of articles on human knowledge, it was intended to change the way people thought. Montesquieu, Voltaire, and others wrote articles.

• About 20,000 copies were printed between 1751 and 1789 despite efforts to ban the Encyclopedia.

• Articles in the Encyclopedia supported freedom of expression and education for all people.

• The divine-right theory (of monarchy) was criticized along with traditional religions.

• The French king said the Encyclopedia was an attack on public morals.

• The pope threatened to excommunicate Catholics who bought or read the Encyclopedia.

• Many Do-It-Yourself Articles on how to make items. You can view his Encyclopedia here

Quotes:

"There is only one passion, the passion for happiness."

"Every man has his dignity. I'm willing to forget mine, but at my own discretion and not when someone else tells me to."

"We swallow greedily any lie that flatters us, but we sip only little by little at a truth we find bitter."

"From fanaticism to barbarism is only one step."