Volney (1757-1820)

John P. Irish travels the path of a revolutionary mind.

- John P. Irish

The Enlightenment thinker known as Volney remains an overlooked figure in the history of political philosophy despite his significant contributions. His influence on Enlightenment thought, particularly during the formative years of the United States, underscores the importance of his work. Volney emerged as a prominent leader in the materialistic wing of the deist movement, challenging traditional religious and political structures.

Constantin-François Chassebœuf, later called the Comte de Volney, was born on February 3, 1757, in Craon, a town in the French province of Maine. He was the son of Jacques-René Chassebœuf de Boisgirais, a prominent lawyer, and Jeanne Gigault de la Giraudais, who tragically passed away in 1759 when Volney was only two. This early loss contributed to a troubled childhood, marked by a joyless home environment and abusive experiences at school.

In 1769, Volney’s maternal uncle, Joseph Gigault, took him in and transferred him to the College d’Angers. By 1773, Volney had enrolled at the faculty of law there. But in 1775, upon reaching the age of maturity and inheriting wealth, he left Anjou for Paris, where he settled in the Latin Quarter. The lack of parental affection had stunted his character development, leaving him aloof, sour, and morose, though he was studious by nature and demonstrated great promise. His volatile personality often led to outbursts, particularly when publicly contradicted.

In Paris he studied medicine and befriended Pierre Jean Georges Cabanis, a leading materialist philosopher. Volney also developed an interest in Arabic. Cabanis introduced him to prominent figures of the French Enlightenment, making this period crucial for Volney’s intellectual development.