Augustin Thierry

Jacques Nicolas Augustin Thierry (French: [tjɛʁi]; 10 May 1795 – 22 May 1856) was a French historian. Although originally a follower of Henri de Saint-Simon, he later developed his own approach to history. A committed liberal, his approach to history often introduced a Romantic interpretation, although he did engage in research of primary sources. He nevertheless was recognised as a significant historian of the evolution of communal governance.

Early life

He was born in Blois, Loir-et-Cher, and was the elder brother of Amédée Thierry. He had no advantages of birth or fortune, but was distinguished at the Blois Grammar School, and entered the École Normale Supérieure in 1811. In 1813 he was sent as a professor to Compiègne, but stayed there a very short time.

Career

Thierry enthusiastically embraced the ideals of the French Revolution and Saint Simon's vision of an ideal future society. He briefly became Saint-Simon's secretary and "adopted son". Initially he had been put off by what he perceived as the elitism of Mémoire sur le science de l'homme. However, by 1814, having no teaching position he accepted a position as Saint-Simon's secretary. He collaborated with Saint-Simon on De la réorganisation de la société européenne – a tract calling for the unification of Europe on the basis of a single constitution. However, by 1817 Thierry relinquished this position to Auguste Comte. But whereas most of Saint-Simon's followers applied his theories to present-day matters of political economy, Thierry trod an independent path and turned to history instead.