Joseph de Maistre

Joseph de Maistre was an 18th-century philosopher and diplomat known for his conservative views, particularly regarding sovereignty and authority. He believed in the necessity of strong, centralized power, arguing that societal stability depends on established authority and tradition. De Maistre criticized the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and individualism, advocating instead for an understanding of human nature that recognizes the limits of rationality. He viewed sovereignty as deriving from divine right and the wisdom of historical institutions, emphasizing that a legitimate government must reflect moral order and uphold social unity against chaos and revolution.