"Society is purely and solely a continual series of exchanges... And the greatest eulogy we can give it, for exchange is an admirable transaction, in which two contracting parties always both gain; consequently, society is an uninterrupted succession of advantages, unceasingly renewed for all its members."
Antoine Destutt de Tracy
Philosopher
Antoine Destutt de Tracy was a French philosopher known for his contributions to liberal thought, particularly regarding freedom and reason.
- Born
- January 20, 1754
- Died
- March 14, 1836
- Quotes
- 3
- Rank
- #3089
About Antoine Destutt de Tracy
Antoine Destutt de Tracy — Life and Legacy
Antoine Destutt de Tracy was a prominent French philosopher in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, recognized for his intellectual contributions to liberalism and the philosophy of freedom. His major work, 'Éléments d'idéologie,' explores the nature of human thought and the essential role of reason in achieving personal and societal liberty. Destutt de Tracy's core thinking revolves around the idea that freedom is intrinsically linked to rational thought. He famously asserted that 'the only true freedom is that which is based on reason,' highlighting the necessity of intellectual autonomy in a just society. This perspective challenges the prevailing notions of his time, advocating for a society where individuals are empowered to think critically and act according to their reasoned judgments. His insights remain relevant today, as they address the ongoing struggle for individual rights and the importance of rational discourse in public life. Destutt de Tracy's quotes encourage readers to reflect on their own understanding of freedom, emphasizing that true liberty is not merely the absence of restraint but the presence of reasoned choice.
Quote collection
Antoine Destutt de Tracy quotes
3 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Government, on their part, are much disposed to favor the establishment of these large companies, and to give them privileges to the detriment of their rivals, and of the public, with the expectation of receiving from them loans, either gratuitous or at a low rate which these never refuse. It is thus that the one sells its protection and the other buys it; and this is already a very great evil."
"A tax is always a sacrifice which the government demands of individuals.While it only lessens every one's personal enjoyments, it only shifts expenses from one to another.But when it encroaches on productive consumption it diminishes public riches."