Origins & Early Life

Jean de La Bruyère (UK: , UK: ; French: [ʒɑ̃ d(ə) la bʁɥijɛʁ]; 16 August 1645 – 11 May 1696) was a French philosopher and moralist who was noted for his satire. Jean de La Bruyère was born in Paris, in today's Essonne département, in 1645. His family was middle class, and his reference to a certain "Geoffroy de La Bruyère", a crusader, is only a satirical illustration of a method of self-ennoblement then common in France, as in some other countries. As such, he signed his surname as Delabruyère in one word, as evidence of this disdain.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

La Bruyère could trace his family back on his father's side at least as far as his great-grandfather, who along with his grandfather had been dedicated members of the Catholic League. His great-grandfather had been exiled from France when Henry IV came to the throne and Catholics fell into disfavor. La Bruyère's father also had been active in the league under the Duke of Guise in 1584. His father was controller general of finance to the Hôtel de Ville, and despite the turmoil in the country, was able to pay for La Bruyère's education and to leave him a considerable sum as an inheritance. He was educated by the Oratorians and at the University...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Hugo Grotius — Contemporary (Died in 1645) (1645): Pioneering jurist whose works established the foundations of modern international law.
• Ismail Ibn Sharif — Contemporary (Born in 1645) (1645): Sultan of Morocco (1672–1727); second 'Alawi dynasty ruler.
• Miyamoto Musashi — Contemporary (Died in 1645) (1645): Legendary swordsman, strategist, and author of 'The Book of Five Rings'.
• Alphonsus Liguori — Contemporary (Born in 1696) (1696): Italian bishop, theologian, and founder of the Redemptorists.
• John III Sobieski — Contemporary (Died in 1696) (1696): Sobieski, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, famed for the relief of Vienna.
• Alfredo Stroessner — Shared historical date (08-16 · Died) (2006): Paraguayan military dictator who ruled from 1954 to 1989, known for repression.
• Angela Bassett — Shared historical date (08-16 · Born) (1958): Esteemed American actress celebrated for powerful roles in film and television.
• Adriano Giannini — Shared historical date (05-10 · Born) (1971): Italian actor known for dubbing and roles in film and television.
• Augustin-Jean Fresnel — Shared historical date (05-10 · Born) (1788): Pioneering optical physicist known for the wave theory of light and the invention of the Fresnel lens.
• Sultan Agung of Mataram — Historical peer (Died in 1645) (1645): Great Sultan of Mataram, a powerful Javanese warrior and consolidator of his kingdom.
• 1645 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1645
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