Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes

politician

Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes (1721-1794) was a French statesman and a prominent figure during the Enlightenment, known for his role as a protector of the works of Enlightenment philosophers, notably the Encyclopédie edited by Denis Diderot. As the director of the Librairie, he was responsible for overseeing the permissions and privileges of printed materials in France, providing crucial support that helped the encyclopedic project survive despite opposition from various authorities, including the church and the monarchy. Malesherbes' commitment to intellectual freedom and his defense of Enlightenment ideals made him an important advocate for the dissemination of knowledge during a time of significant political and social upheaval. His legacy is closely tied to the struggles for freedom of expression and the power dynamics of knowledge in society.

Born on Jan 01, 1721 (305 years old)