Condorcet:
Writings On the United States
Edited, translated, and with an introduction by GUILLAUME ANSART
Kids should know more about how amazing our democracy truly is. There is no perfect government system - any system that seeks to organize a complex society is dependent upon the temperament and enlightenment of the people themselves, and any flaws are to be worked out peacefully within an ever-evolving process. This book proves that the origins of our constitution, beginning with a declaration of rights, was the most well-thought-out document ever created by man, following hundreds of years of our best and brightest toiling and working together. The more we come to know just how smart and wise these people were, and how many brilliant people we are still surrounded by daily, the sooner we can be redeemed from the current problems we are faced with. We need to educate our youth as to the greatness of the people that have come before us, and the sturdiness of our American government, built upon reliable checks and balances, so they can do less questioning of themselves and spend more time trusting in what we have already built.
This collection of works by the French philosopher Marquis de Condorcet offers a unique glimpse into how Europeans viewed the newly established United States in the late 1700s. Condorcet was a prominent thinker during the Enlightenment, a period when many intellectuals celebrated reason, science, and individual freedoms. Unlike some other European observers, Condorcet saw the American experiment as a groundbreaking shift in the way societies could be governed. He believed the United States, with its Constitution and system of checks and balances, could serve as a model for the rest of the world—though he also recognized possible flaws and struggles.
Throughout these writings, Condorcet comments on the principles of liberty, equality, and democratic participation. He admires the idea of a government designed by its own citizens rather than imposed by monarchs. At the same time, he warns about potential issues, such as political factions that could divide the people, or leaders who might accumulate too much power. Despite these concerns, Condorcet remains largely optimistic. He suggests that if Americans remain committed to rational debate, education, and moral values, their republic could thrive and inspire others.
One recurring theme in Condorcet’s work is the importance of widespread education. He believed that educated citizens would be better able to spot threats to their liberty and would be more capable of voting wisely. For Condorcet, free public schooling wasn’t just a nice idea—it was critical for keeping democracy alive. In addition, he highlights the significance of women’s rights, arguing that no society can call itself truly free if half of its population is overlooked or denied opportunities.
Guillaume Ansart, who edited and translated these writings, provides context that helps modern readers see where Condorcet fits into the larger Enlightenment tradition. Ansart explains how Condorcet’s ideas echoed those of other philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau, yet also broke new ground in advocating for certain rights and freedoms. The introduction also clarifies why Condorcet was so fascinated by the United States: he saw it as an ongoing experiment in human progress, rather than a finished product.
By reading Condorcet: Writings on the United States, we get to look back at a time when people were still figuring out if the American Revolution would succeed. Condorcet’s reflections remind us that democracy isn’t guaranteed. It requires active participation, constant debate, and a dedication to principles like equality and knowledge. Though centuries old, his insights still resonate in discussions about civic responsibility, political division, and the role of education in shaping a more enlightened future.
Condorcet: Writings on the United States
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