Auteur: baron d. Holbach Paul Henri Thiry

Paul Henri Thiry, Baron d »Holbach (1723-1789), was a Franco-German philosopher and an eminent figure of the French Enlightenment who wrote under the pseudonym Jean Meslier. D »Holbach is often remembered for his outspoken atheism and for his works that critiqued religion and advocated for a materialistic view of the universe. Born in Heidelberg, Palatinate on December 8, 1723, d »Holbach later moved to Paris, where he became an integral member of the intellectual salons that were at the heart of Enlightenment thought. He was an encyclopedist and a generous patron to many other Enlightenment figures such as Denis Diderot. D »Holbach »s « Superstition In All Ages » (1732) is one of his most notable works. Often published under the pseudonym Jean Meslier, this book articulates a critical examination of religion and its impact on society, contending that superstition is an impediment to human progress. D »Holbach »s literary style is characterized by a clear, rigorous exposition of his philosophical ideas, which was instrumental in spreading radical materialist and atheist thought in the 18th century. Alongside « Superstition In All Ages », d »Holbach wrote several other works, including « System of Nature » (1770) and « The Social System » (1773), which further develop his philosophical and moral ideas. These works cemented his reputation as one of the boldest thinkers of his time, challenging established religious and moral norms. D »Holbach »s contributions to literature and philosophy sparked debate during his lifetime and influenced future thinkers and critics of religion.