Benjamin Constant

Benjamin Constant was a 19th-century French political thinker known for his contributions to liberalism. He emphasized the importance of individual freedom and the need for a government that protects personal liberties. Constant distinguished between ancient and modern liberty; the former was linked to active participation in politics, while the latter focuses on personal autonomy and the protection of rights. He advocated for representative democracy, limited government, and the separation of powers, arguing that the state should serve to safeguard individual rights rather than control or restrict them. His ideas continue to influence liberal democratic thought today.