Denis Diderot

Denis Diderot (October 5, 1713 - July 31, 1784) was a French writer and philosopher.

Born in Langres, Champagne, France in 1713, he was a prominent figure in what became known as The Enlightenment, and was the editor-in-chief of the famous L'Encyclopédie.

Diderot also contributed to literature, notably with his work Jacques the Fatalist, which challenged conventions regarding novels and their structure and content, while also examining philosophical ideas relating to free will.

He is also known as the author of the essay Regrets on Parting with My Old Dressing Gown, upon which many an article and sermon about consumer desire have been based.

He died in Paris in 1784 and was buried in the city's Eglise Saint-Roch.

Quotes

• "If I had believed him, everything would have been turned upside down...all would have been turned topsy-turvy to make room for impractical theories." (Catherine II about Diderot -- Spielvogel)

References

• Spielvogel -- Western Civilization -- Volume II: Since 1500 (5th Edition -- 2003)