Information Related to "Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!"
| Audio/Video |
The French Revolution erupted like a long-dormant volcano, spewing out recriminations against the monarchy and any with whom the people found fault. The aristocracy's oppression over the years had fueled the frustration of the masses. The resulting firestorm of rebellion ended the lives of many of the ruling class on the guillotine. It left France bogged down in a morass of conflicting ideas about leadership.
Out of this time of revolution and chaos, three words emerged that conveyed some of the deepest yearnings of humanity: Liberté! Égalité! Fraternité! (liberty, equality and brotherhood).
The echoes of these three qualities have never died. They still vibrate along the corridors of modern society, although sometimes in different terms. At times the vibrations are muted as the far-off rumblings of a thunderstorm. Other times, they grumble and growl, shaking the very fiber of society.
The revolution continues today
Today these same three values loosely bind together widely disparate groups of people. Most want freedom of action, equal rights and the commonality of all people.
In Western societies, the rallying points—gay rights, clean air, animal rights, etc.—are as multitudinous as the people involved. Societies struggle to achieve the desires of various groups and often end up trampling on the rights or desires of others. After all, if we are honest, one person's freedom may well lead to another person's oppression.
If one person is granted the right to smoke, it befouls the air of those who don't smoke—and in fact endangers their health. Does one have the right to harm his fellow man in the name of personal freedom?
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Table of Contents that includes "Liberte! Egalite! Fraternite!"
Other Articles by Les McCullough
Freedom: