The People and the Government

Abbé Félicité Robert de Lamennais (1782-1854) was one of the most interesting figures in 19th century France. Lamennais was a French Catholic priest, philosopher and political theorist. He was one of the most influential intellectuals of Restoration France. Lamennais is considered the forerunner of liberal Catholicism and social Catholicism. His struggle against tyranny and corruption in 19th century France carries a universal message. Either reform now or face violence down the road. Gordon Wright in his "France in Modern Times" noted that someone once said "Lamennais along with Karl Marx were the two greatest visionaries of the 19th century."