Andras Sajo

A Sentimental declaration of the rights of man

It is often believed that great principles, laws, and constiutions are made with wisdom, and
wisdom would always be assumed as rational.

Author’s purpose – This text by Andras Sajo is an analysis arguing that the French
Declaration of the Rights of Man was not primarily a product of rational thought or
Enlightenment ideals but was rather driven by the collective emotions of the French people
during the Revolution.

We usually think that historical documents like these, or constitutions in general are made
with purely from logic and reason. But this text reveals that role emotions play in shaping
seemingly rational texts. We often forget that history is made by people, and people are
emotional. Even in the midst of a revolution, it’s the fear, anxiety and passion of the moment,
that shapes the course of events.

“The rights of man were conceived in terms of sentiments, and the denial of this emotional
component is part of the rationalist strategy that prevailed in legal and political ideology”

Scenario - talking about national constituent assembly, mixed of delegates tasked with
creation of new constitution of France, trying to frame out rights of man, while surrounded by
riots and whispers of consipiracy.

What emotion was dominant – particularly fear – why ?

The context - By 1789, France was a nation on the brink of collapse, grappling with a
confluence of social unrest, economic crisis, and political instability, all of which directly
contributed to the urgency and fervor surrounding the drafting of the Declaration of the
Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Social Unrest: French society was rigidly divided into three estates: the clergy, the nobility,
and the commoners (Third Estate). The Third Estate, encompassing the vast majority of the
population, bore the brunt of taxation and held little political power, fueling resentment and
frustration.

The sources reveal a deep-seated hatred of the nobility among the Third Estate, driven
by a sense of social and economic injustice.
This widespread discontent manifested in numerous local uprisings and protests in the lead-
up to the Revolution.

Economic Crisis: Decades of extravagant spending by the monarchy, coupled with costly
wars and inefficient tax collection, had plunged France into a severe financial crisis.

The nation faced imminent bankruptcy, forcing King Louis XVI to convene the Estates-
General in 1788, a desperate attempt to address the financial woes.

This move, however, unintentionally unleashed a wave of revolutionary sentiment as the

Third Estate, emboldened by their representation, began demanding greater political
rights and a fairer distribution of power.

Political Instability: The monarchy's authority was waning, undermined by its inability to
resolve the economic crisis and the growing unrest among the populace.

The sources depict a climate of distrust and paranoia, with rumors of conspiracies and
fears of counter-revolutionary plots running rampant.

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a symbolic act of defiance against royal
authority, further destabilized the political landscape.

The subsequent period, known as the Great Fear, saw a wave of peasant uprisings across
the country, targeting symbols of feudal power and adding to the atmosphere of panic and
uncertainty.

The confluence of these crises created an explosive situation that demanded immediate
action. The National Constituent Assembly, formed from the Estates-General, found
itself tasked with not only drafting a constitution but also restoring order amidst a
maelstrom of fear and violence.
---------------

July 5, 1788: King Louis XVI summons the Estates-General to address France’s dire
financial situation. This decision, intended to stabilize the nation, unintentionally set in
motion the events that would lead to the Revolution.1
●
May 6, 1789: The Estates-General convene in Paris. The Third Estate, representing the
commoners, finds itself at odds with the nobility and clergy over issues of representation and
voting rights. This period is marked by a growing sense of frustration and resentment among
the Third Estate delegates.2
●
June 17, 1789: The Third Estate, emboldened by the support of some clergy members,
declares itself the National Assembly, claiming the sole authority to represent the French
nation. This act of defiance against the established order marks a turning point in the
Revolution.2
●
June 20, 1789: The National Assembly finds itself locked out of its meeting hall, likely a
tactic by the King to suppress their growing influence. The delegates gather at a nearby tennis
court and take the famous Tennis Court Oath, vowing not to disband until they had drafted
a constitution for France. This oath, fueled by a sense of outrage and determination,
solidifies the Assembly's commitment to revolutionary change.
●
July 14, 1789: The storming of the Bastille, a royal prison symbolizing the King's absolute
power, ignites the Revolution. The author emphasize that fear was a driving force behind
the actions of the delegates during this period. The Parisian mob, enraged by rumors of
troops being amassed to suppress the Assembly, takes matters into their own hands. The fall
of the Bastille marks a decisive victory for the revolutionaries and instills a profound sense of
fear in the hearts of the King and the nobility.34
●
Late July 1789: The Great Fear, a wave of peasant uprisings across the countryside, grips
France. Driven by rumors of aristocratic plots and fueled by years of economic hardship,
peasants attack castles and manor houses, symbols of feudal oppression. The violence and
anarchy of the Great Fear exacerbate the existing climate of fear and anxiety within the
Assembly.5
●
August 4, 1789: On this night, the Assembly, caught in what Mirabeau describes as an
"electric whirlwind" of emotions, makes a series of radical decisions that lay the foundation
for the Declaration. Amidst the turmoil of the Great Fear and fueled by the fear of further
violence, the Assembly hastily abolishes feudal privileges.67
○
The sources describe a chaotic atmosphere, with the Assembly more akin to a theater
where emotional appeals held sway over reasoned debate.8
○
Delegates competed to renounce their privileges, a spectacle likely driven by a combination
of genuine fear, a desire to appease the crowds, and political opportunism.
○
The sources suggest that many delegates, fearing for their own safety and overwhelmed by
the tide of popular sentiment, felt compelled to go along with the radical actions of the
night.1112
○
This emotionally charged atmosphere underscores the profound impact of fear and
anxiety on the Assembly's decision-making process.

### Establishing the Argument: The Influence of Emotions

The section "1. The “Noble Intoxication” establishes the argument for the influence of
emotions through a carefully constructed narrative that weaves together historical events,
individual actions, and contemporary accounts. This approach allows the author to move
beyond simply stating the presence of emotions and demonstrate how these emotions actively
shaped the course of events.
* **Setting the Stage: A Climate of Uncertainty and Fear: ** The section begins by setting
the stage, describing the context of national bankruptcy and the calling of the Estates-General
in 1789. This immediately establishes a backdrop of uncertainty and potential for unrest. The
author emphasizes that the problem wasn't a lack of vision but rather the conflicting
principles and anxieties surrounding constitutional renewal. This sets the stage for emotions
to play a significant role.

* **The Third Estate and the Search for Identity: ** The author then focuses on the Third
Estate's struggle for recognition and their own internal identity crisis. This is crucial, as it
introduces the idea that the creation of a constitution is intrinsically linked to the formation of
a collective identity, a process inherently influenced by emotions.

* The author uses Sieyès' pamphlet, which identified the Third Estate with the nation, to
illustrate the emotional underpinnings of this identity formation. He highlights how the
pamphlet appealed to "anti-aristocratic passion" and "the fiercest passion of public opinion,"
emphasizing the role of hatred towards the nobility as a unifying force for the Third Estate.

* **Emotions as Primary Motivators:** The author directly challenges the perception of the
French Revolution as an exclusively rational implementation of abstract truths, arguing
instead that it was, in fact, "a matter of the liberation of passions". He asserts that
understanding the new institutions requires recognizing the primal emotions that shaped the
identities of those involved in the uprisings and debates.
* **The Power of Dignity and Resentment:** To further illustrate the emotional landscape,
the author highlights the importance of dignity and honor for the Third Estate. He notes that
several draft declarations included these concepts as fundamental rights, directly reflecting
the resentment stemming from the rigid social hierarchy where the nobility held an inherent
sense of superiority.

* **Comparing the French and American Experiences:** The author contrasts the French
experience with the American Constitutional Convention, arguing that the American
founding fathers, while not immune to emotions, were more driven by practical
considerations and "intelligent commercial give-and-take". This distinction further
emphasizes the centrality of emotions in the French context.

* **The Tennis Court Oath: A Turning Point Fueled by Emotion:** The author provides a
detailed account of the events leading up to the Tennis Court Oath, focusing on how specific
incidents fueled emotional responses. He describes the Third Estate being forced to wait, the
locked debating chamber, and the King's declaration of the National Assembly as
unconstitutional.

* He then quotes Mirabeau's defiant response to the King's representative, "we are here
by the will of the people, and nothing but bayonets shall drive us out", highlighting the
emotional intensity and defiance that characterized this pivotal moment. This scene
effectively demonstrates how a sense of injustice and a determination to assert their authority,
fueled by a combination of fear and anger, led to the oath that solidified the Assembly's
resolve.

* **External Pressures and the Great Fear:** The author then weaves in the context of
escalating violence and unrest across France, emphasizing how reports of these events
reached the Assembly and directly influenced their deliberations. He specifically points to
the storming of the Bastille and the subsequent "daily reports of violence" as contributing to a
sense of urgency and fear, suggesting that these external pressures pushed the Assembly
towards accepting more radical proposals.

* He uses Taine's account to further reinforce this point, citing the stoning of aristocrats
and the intimidating presence of crowds as evidence of the pervasive fear that influenced
even those delegates who might have favored a more moderate approach.

* **The "Noble Intoxication" of August 4th:** The author culminates this section with a
detailed account of the night of August 4th, when feudalism was abolished. He describes the
atmosphere as a "noble intoxication", a potent mix of fear, self-sacrifice, and a sense of
historical significance that led to unprecedented actions.

* The author cites multiple sources to illustrate the emotional intensity of the night. He
quotes Duquesnoy's diary entry, which suggests that even a well-reasoned constitution would
need to be passed on in a state of "drunken enthusiasm" to be accepted. He also quotes
Mirabeau's description of the Assembly being caught in an "electric whirlwind," highlighting
the contagious nature of the collective emotional experience.

* Importantly, the author doesn't shy away from acknowledging the role of calculation
and self-interest, particularly in the actions of the Club Breton. He notes how they cleverly
leveraged the emotional climate to push forward their agenda while simultaneously ensuring
their own interests were protected. However, he maintains that even their actions were
ultimately dependent on and fueled by the prevailing emotional state, without which their
success would have been unlikely.

* **The Lasting Impact of Emotional Decisions:** The author concludes the section by
emphasizing that the decisions made during this emotionally charged period had lasting
consequences, shaping the fundamental principles of the French constitution and influencing
the drafting of the Declaration. This reinforces the argument that emotions were not merely
fleeting reactions but rather powerful forces that shaped the course of history.

By meticulously interweaving historical events, individual actions, and contemporary

accounts, the author effectively demonstrates how emotions, particularly fear, resentment,
and a yearning for change, were not merely present but were in fact instrumental in shaping
the key decisions and outcomes of this critical period in the French Revolution.

August 12-26, 1789:

The Assembly begins drafting the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
The debates are marked by impatience, passionate outbursts, and a continued
awareness of the volatile situation in the country.
○
The sources note that while reason is invoked in the preamble of the Declaration, the
debates surrounding specific articles, such as religious freedom and civil equality, often
prioritize emotional appeals. **
○
The omission of certain rights, such as freedom of assembly, likely reflects the delegates’
lingering fear of mob rule and a desire to maintain order.13
This timeline demonstrates how fear, anxiety, and the desire for change were not mere
background noise but integral forces shaping the decisions made by the delegates of the
National Constituent Assembly. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the
Citizen, while celebrating reason and universal principles, emerges from a crucible of
emotions, reflecting the tumultuous context of its birth.

Building the Case for a "Sentimental Declaration":

Moving beyond the broader context, section 2, aptly titled "The Declaration," focuses
specifically on how the emotionally charged atmosphere, established in the previous section,
directly impacted the drafting and content of the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

 The Declaration as a Tool for Stability: The author begins by emphasizing the
pragmatic need for the Declaration, arguing that beyond its idealistic aims, it was also
seen as a way to address the ongoing unrest and consolidate the Assembly's authority.
This framing introduces the idea that the Declaration wasn't solely a product of
abstract principles but also a response to the immediate emotional needs of the
situation.
o The author notes how a ratified Declaration would help "settle the popular
rage" and solidify the Assembly's position against the King, highlighting how
the document was seen as a tool to achieve stability amidst the chaos.
 Prioritizing Speed Over Philosophical Debate: Continuing with this theme of
practicality, the author highlights the Assembly's focus on speed and efficiency in
drafting the Declaration. He points out that while numerous drafts and proposals
existed, there was a clear consensus on the need to finalize the document quickly to
address the pressing concerns of the day.
o This emphasis on expediency, the author suggests, left little room for in-depth
philosophical discussions on the nature of rights or the theoretical
underpinnings of the Declaration. Instead, the focus shifted towards
addressing the most pressing issues and concerns, as evidenced by the frequent
use of majority votes to quickly settle debates.
 The Influence of Fear and the Rejection of Certain Rights: The author then
discusses specific rights that were either omitted or downplayed in the Declaration,
arguing that these omissions reflect the ongoing fear and anxiety that permeated the
Assembly. He points out that freedom of assembly and association, concepts central
to later understandings of human rights, were not included, likely due to the fear of
mob rule and the desire to break away from the perceived dangers of collective action.
o Similarly, he notes the absence of social rights and the right to honor,
suggesting that these concepts, while perhaps acknowledged in earlier drafts,
were ultimately deemed less essential in the face of more pressing concerns
about stability and security.
 The Rise of Legal Restrictions and National Sovereignty: Further highlighting the
influence of fear, the author points to the inclusion of language that emphasizes the
 role of law in restricting rights. He notes how the concept of respecting "the rights of
others" was used to limit individual freedoms, reflecting a concern with potential
abuses and the need to maintain order.
o This shift towards legal restrictions, the author argues, reflects the Assembly's
growing preoccupation with national sovereignty and the potential dangers of
unchecked individual liberty. He uses Mounier's warnings about "popular
despotism" and the risks of "passion-driven popular assemblies" to illustrate
this point, highlighting the Assembly's anxieties about maintaining control
amidst the turmoil.
 The Emotional Underpinnings of the Debate on Religious Freedom: The author
then focuses on the debate surrounding freedom of religion, demonstrating how even
seemingly abstract discussions were deeply infused with emotional arguments. He
cites the Vicomte de Mirabeau's opposition to religious pluralism, fueled by a fear
that allowing multiple denominations would lead to the "religion of circumstances"
and undermine social order.
o He also highlights how both defenders and critics of the Catholic Church's
privileged position appealed to emotions in their arguments, with some
warning about the dangers of unrestrained religious passions and others
invoking the "bloodbath" of religious intolerance. These examples effectively
illustrate how emotional appeals, often rooted in fear or a desire for stability,
played a crucial role in shaping the Declaration's approach to religious
freedom.
 The Great Fear's Lingering Impact on Civil Equality: The author then revisits the
concept of the "Great Fear," arguing that its lingering effects influenced the debate on
civil equality, particularly regarding access to public office. He notes how the Third
Estate, driven by a combination of newly acquired power and a lingering sense of
insecurity, insisted on the right of all citizens to hold any office.
o This, he suggests, reveals a deep-seated anxiety about potential exclusion and
a desire to secure their hard-won gains, further demonstrating how the
emotional legacy of the preceding months continued to shape the Declaration's
content.
 The Declaration as a Convergence of Fear, Natural Rights, and Expediency: The
author concludes the section by offering a nuanced view of the Declaration, arguing
that it represents a convergence of the "Great Fear," abstract notions of natural rights,
and pragmatic expediency. He acknowledges the influence of Enlightenment thought
but emphasizes that the final product was heavily shaped by the prevailing emotional
climate and the need to address immediate concerns.
o He suggests that the Declaration's emphasis on restricting rights in the name of
national sovereignty laid the groundwork for potential abuses of power,
foreshadowing the challenges to individual liberty that would emerge during
the Terror. This observation underscores the author's point that emotions,
while powerful drivers of change, can also have unintended and potentially
dangerous consequences.
 A Foundation Built on Shared Emotions: Further emphasizing the emotional
underpinnings of the Declaration, the author notes that the rights it enshrines reflect
fundamental "emotional demands," such as self-esteem, security of ownership,
freedom of expression, and religious freedom. These are not simply abstract
principles, he argues, but rather deeply felt needs that were consistently denied under
the monarchy. The Declaration, in this view, represents an attempt to address these
 emotional needs and provide a sense of security and recognition for the individual
within the new social order.

By meticulously analyzing the drafting process and specific content of the Declaration, the
author effectively demonstrates how emotions, particularly fear and a yearning for stability,
intertwined with Enlightenment ideals to produce a document that reflected both the
aspirations and anxieties of the revolutionary period. The Declaration emerges not as a purely
rational articulation of abstract principles but as a complex and ultimately "sentimental"
document shaped by the powerful emotional currents of the French Revolution.

The Declaration: A Crucible of Emotions

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, though celebrated for its articulation
of universal principles, emerged from a period of intense collective emotions. Fear, anxiety,
jealousy, and a desperate yearning for change permeated the debates within the
National Constituent Assembly, profoundly shaping the Declaration's content and
revealing it to be not merely a product of Enlightenment rationality but a visceral
response to the tumultuous realities of the French Revolution.

Analysis of Specific Articles

 Religious Freedom: The debates surrounding religious freedom were particularly

heated, exposing the deep anxieties and conflicting emotions within the Assembly.
o The sources describe how fear of social unrest and a desire to preserve the
dominant position of the Catholic Church clashed with appeals for tolerance
and individual liberty.
o The Vicomte de Mirabeau, a staunch royalist, warned that allowing all
denominations would lead to "the religion of circumstances" where "Turkish
religion will be the creed of the youth," appealing to fears of moral decay and
social instability.
o Conversely, Protestant pastor Rabaut de Saint-Étienne, advocating for
religious equality, evoked the "suffering and humiliation" endured by
Protestants and Jews under the old order, appealing to the delegates' sense of
humanity and justice.
o This clash of emotions ultimately resulted in a compromise: while the
Declaration affirmed the principle of religious freedom, it also maintained
Catholicism's privileged status as the state religion.
 Civil Equality: The discussions surrounding civil equality, particularly access to
public office, revealed the deep-seated jealousy and anxieties of the Third Estate.
o Despite the Declaration's affirmation of equality before the law, the delegates
of the Third Estate, driven by a desire to secure their newfound power and
fueled by a distrust of the nobility, insisted on explicitly stating the right of all
citizens to hold any public office.
o This insistence, born out of a sense of insecurity and a fear of being excluded
from power, underscores the emotional undercurrents shaping even seemingly
straightforward articles within the Declaration.
  Omission of Certain Rights: Notably absent from the Declaration are certain rights
that we today consider fundamental, such as freedom of assembly and association.
o This omission is telling, reflecting the Assembly's fear of mob rule and a
desire to maintain order in a society teetering on the brink of anarchy.
o Having witnessed firsthand the power of the crowds during the storming of the
Bastille and the Great Fear, the delegates were wary of granting rights that
could potentially lead to further unrest and violence.

Quotes from Key Figures

 Mounier's Warnings: Mounier, a moderate voice within the Assembly, expressed

deep concerns about the "despotism" of the majority and the dangers of allowing
passions to dictate the course of events. He prophetically observed that "man cannot
enjoy liberty and security . . . where a simple suspicion is sufficient to endanger that
liberty and security and not even people's sympathy will guarantee it." These
anxieties, born out of the turbulent political climate, likely contributed to the
Assembly's cautious approach in defining and limiting certain rights.
 Lafayette's Emphasis on Sentiment: Lafayette, a prominent figure in the
Revolution, believed that the Declaration should speak to the heart as much as to the
mind. He argued that the Declaration "can speak to sentiments that nature has
engraved in the heart of all," underscoring the power of emotional appeals in shaping
public opinion and legitimizing the Revolution's aims.
 Sieyès' Inclusion of Feelings: Sieyès, a key political theorist of the Revolution,
notably included human feelings alongside freedom of expression as fundamental
rights in his draft declaration. This inclusion highlights the significance of emotions in
the Enlightenment discourse on human rights, challenging the notion that the era's
thinkers were solely focused on reason and rationality.

Conclusion

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen stands as a testament to both the
ideals of the Enlightenment and the emotional fervor of the French Revolution. While the
Declaration eloquently articulates universal principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, its
creation was deeply intertwined with the collective emotions of fear, anxiety, jealousy,
and a desperate desire for change. Understanding the emotional crucible from which
the Declaration emerged provides a richer and more nuanced understanding of this
pivotal document and its enduring legacy.

Beyond Reason: The Sentimental Foundations of Rights

The traditional narrative often portrays the Enlightenment as an era dominated by pure reason
and logic, leading to the assumption that the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the
Citizen was solely a product of rational thought. However, the sources challenge this
narrative, revealing the significant role of emotions and sentiments in shaping 18th-century
thought and the Declaration itself.
The Enlightenment Embraces Sentiment

While reason undoubtedly played a crucial role in the Enlightenment, it was not the sole
driving force. The sources emphasize that sentimentalism, the emphasis on emotions and
feelings, was deeply intertwined with Enlightenment thought, particularly concerning
morality and natural rights. This period witnessed a growing recognition of the human
capacity for empathy and compassion, with thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasizing
the importance of emotions in shaping moral judgments.

This emphasis on sentiment is evident in the debates surrounding the Declaration, where
appeals to emotions, rather than purely logical arguments, often carried the day. As Lafayette,
a key figure in the Revolution, argued, the Declaration should express "what everyone knows
and feels," recognizing the power of shared sentiments in uniting the nation and legitimizing
the revolutionary cause.

Sentiments Shape the Declaration

The sources offer compelling evidence that emotional considerations profoundly shaped the
Declaration's content.

 Condorcet's Rational Ideal vs. the Declaration's Reality: Condorcet, a prominent

Enlightenment thinker, argued that natural rights stemmed from the capacity for
reason and moral ideas, implying a universal application of these rights. However, the
Declaration, in practice, adopted a more restrictive interpretation, excluding certain
groups, such as women and slaves, from the full enjoyment of these rights. This
discrepancy highlights the gap between the rational ideal of universal rights and the
realities of a society still grappling with deeply ingrained prejudices and power
imbalances.
 Emotionally Charged Language: The sources depict the debates surrounding the
Declaration as anything but calm and reasoned. Instead, they were characterized by
passionate outbursts, fear-mongering, and appeals to the delegates' sense of humanity
and justice.
o The debates on religious freedom saw the Vicomte de Mirabeau evoke fears of
social decay if religious pluralism were allowed, while Protestant pastor
Rabaut de Saint-Étienne countered with moving accounts of the persecution
suffered by religious minorities.
o The debate on civil equality revealed the Third Estate's anxieties and
jealousies, driving their insistence on explicitly guaranteeing access to public
office for all citizens.
o Even seemingly abstract principles, like freedom of expression, were
discussed within a framework that acknowledged the importance of
human feelings. Sieyès, in his draft declaration, treated freedom of expression
alongside human thoughts and feelings as fundamental rights, further blurring
the lines between reason and sentiment.
 Fear and the Omission of Rights: The sources suggest that the omission of certain
rights, like freedom of assembly and association, was likely driven by the delegates'
fear of mob rule and a desire to maintain order. Having witnessed the violence and
chaos of the storming of the Bastille and the Great Fear, the Assembly was hesitant to
grant rights that could potentially fuel further unrest. This decision, born out of fear
 and anxiety, underscores how emotional considerations could trump even seemingly
fundamental principles.

The Declaration, while rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emerged from a crucible of emotions.
The sources compel us to move beyond the narrative of pure reason and recognize the
significant role of sentiments in shaping both the intellectual climate of the 18th century and
the very document that has come to symbolize the triumph of reason and universal rights.

############
##########
######################
### Building the Case for a "Sentimental Declaration":

Moving beyond the broader context, section 2, aptly titled "The Declaration," focuses
specifically on how the emotionally charged atmosphere, established in the previous section,
directly impacted the drafting and content of the Declaration of the Rights of Man.

* **The Declaration as a Tool for Stability:** The author begins by emphasizing the
pragmatic need for the Declaration, arguing that beyond its idealistic aims, it was also seen as
a way to address the ongoing unrest and consolidate the Assembly's authority. This framing
introduces the idea that the Declaration wasn't solely a product of abstract principles but also
a response to the immediate emotional needs of the situation.

* The author notes how a ratified Declaration would help "settle the popular rage" and
solidify the Assembly's position against the King, highlighting how the document was seen as
a tool to achieve stability amidst the chaos.

* **Prioritizing Speed Over Philosophical Debate:** Continuing with this theme of

practicality, the author highlights the Assembly's focus on speed and efficiency in drafting the
Declaration. He points out that while numerous drafts and proposals existed, there was a clear
consensus on the need to finalize the document quickly to address the pressing concerns of
the day.
 * This emphasis on expediency, the author suggests, left little room for in-depth
philosophical discussions on the nature of rights or the theoretical underpinnings of the
Declaration. Instead, the focus shifted towards addressing the most pressing issues and
concerns, as evidenced by the frequent use of majority votes to quickly settle debates.

* **The Influence of Fear and the Rejection of Certain Rights:** The author then discusses
specific rights that were either omitted or downplayed in the Declaration, arguing that these
omissions reflect the ongoing fear and anxiety that permeated the Assembly. He points out
that freedom of assembly and association, concepts central to later understandings of human
rights, were not included, likely due to the fear of mob rule and the desire to break away from
the perceived dangers of collective action.

* Similarly, he notes the absence of social rights and the right to honor, suggesting that
these concepts, while perhaps acknowledged in earlier drafts, were ultimately deemed less
essential in the face of more pressing concerns about stability and security.

* **The Rise of Legal Restrictions and National Sovereignty:** Further highlighting the
influence of fear, the author points to the inclusion of language that emphasizes the role of
law in restricting rights. He notes how the concept of respecting "the rights of others" was
used to limit individual freedoms, reflecting a concern with potential abuses and the need to
maintain order.

* This shift towards legal restrictions, the author argues, reflects the Assembly's growing
preoccupation with national sovereignty and the potential dangers of unchecked individual
liberty. He uses Mounier's warnings about "popular despotism" and the risks of "passion-
driven popular assemblies" to illustrate this point, highlighting the Assembly's anxieties about
maintaining control amidst the turmoil.

* **The Emotional Underpinnings of the Debate on Religious Freedom:** The author then
focuses on the debate surrounding freedom of religion, demonstrating how even seemingly
abstract discussions were deeply infused with emotional arguments. He cites the Vicomte de
Mirabeau's opposition to religious pluralism, fueled by a fear that allowing multiple
denominations would lead to the "religion of circumstances" and undermine social order.

* He also highlights how both defenders and critics of the Catholic Church's privileged
position appealed to emotions in their arguments, with some warning about the dangers of
unrestrained religious passions and others invoking the "bloodbath" of religious intolerance.
These examples effectively illustrate how emotional appeals, often rooted in fear or a desire
for stability, played a crucial role in shaping the Declaration's approach to religious freedom.

* **The Great Fear's Lingering Impact on Civil Equality:** The author then revisits the
concept of the "Great Fear," arguing that its lingering effects influenced the debate on civil
equality, particularly regarding access to public office. He notes how the Third Estate, driven
by a combination of newly acquired power and a lingering sense of insecurity, insisted on the
right of all citizens to hold any office.

* This, he suggests, reveals a deep-seated anxiety about potential exclusion and a desire
to secure their hard-won gains, further demonstrating how the emotional legacy of the
preceding months continued to shape the Declaration's content.

* **The Declaration as a Convergence of Fear, Natural Rights, and Expediency:** The

author concludes the section by offering a nuanced view of the Declaration, arguing that it
represents a convergence of the "Great Fear," abstract notions of natural rights, and pragmatic
expediency. He acknowledges the influence of Enlightenment thought but emphasizes that
the final product was heavily shaped by the prevailing emotional climate and the need to
address immediate concerns.

* He suggests that the Declaration's emphasis on restricting rights in the name of national
sovereignty laid the groundwork for potential abuses of power, foreshadowing the challenges
to individual liberty that would emerge during the Terror. This observation underscores the
author's point that emotions, while powerful drivers of change, can also have unintended and
potentially dangerous consequences.

* **A Foundation Built on Shared Emotions:** Further emphasizing the emotional

underpinnings of the Declaration, the author notes that the rights it enshrines reflect
fundamental "emotional demands," such as self-esteem, security of ownership, freedom of
expression, and religious freedom. These are not simply abstract principles, he argues, but
rather deeply felt needs that were consistently denied under the monarchy. The Declaration,
in this view, represents an attempt to address these emotional needs and provide a sense of
security and recognition for the individual within the new social order.

By meticulously analyzing the drafting process and specific content of the Declaration, the
author effectively demonstrates how emotions, particularly fear and a yearning for stability,
intertwined with Enlightenment ideals to produce a document that reflected both the
aspirations and anxieties of the revolutionary period. The Declaration emerges not as a purely
rational articulation of abstract principles but as a complex and ultimately "sentimental"
document shaped by the powerful emotional currents of the French Revolution.

The Enduring Legacy of Reason and Emotion

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen stands as a powerful testament to
both the ideals of the Enlightenment and the turbulent realities of the French Revolution. The
sources consistently emphasize that the Declaration, while articulating universal
principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, was not solely a product of detached
reason but rather emerged from a crucible of powerful emotions. Fear, anxiety, jealousy,
and a desperate yearning for change permeated the debates within the National Constituent
Assembly, profoundly shaping the Declaration's content and revealing it to be a visceral
response to the tumultuous events unfolding around it.

Recognizing this emotional underpinning is crucial for a more nuanced and complete
understanding of the Declaration's origins and its enduring legacy. It allows us to
appreciate the document's complexity and its potential for both liberating and restricting
freedoms. The sources demonstrate how the very emotions that fueled the demand for rights
also shaped their interpretation and application. Fear, for example, while driving the
demand for security and protection from tyranny, also led to the restriction of certain
freedoms, such as the omission of the right to assembly and association. Similarly, the
yearning for equality, fueled by jealousy and resentment towards the privileges of the
aristocracy, resulted in a narrow focus on civil equality, neglecting the broader issues of
social and economic inequality.
The tension between reason and emotion, so vividly captured in the creation of the
Declaration, remains a defining feature of human rights discourse today. The sources
remind us that even the most cherished principles of liberty and equality are not immune to
the influence of fear, prejudice, and the pursuit of power. Understanding this dynamic is
essential for navigating the complexities of human rights in the 21st century. The ongoing
challenge is to harness the power of emotions to advance the cause of human rights
while ensuring that these emotions do not become instruments of exclusion and
oppression. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, with its intertwined
legacy of reason and emotion, serves as a potent reminder of this enduring challenge.
Imagine yourself as one the delegates, who is trying to debate the lofty ideals, while also
fearing for your own safety, with constant threat of mob violence. Fear has placed a
significant role – in shaping the declration.
Key event – night of aug 4th, 1789 – assembly was gridlocked –

Intertwined with raw emotions – fear in particular. Fear of mob violence – shaped key
decisions – for eg – rights were restricted in the name of law and order. Fear of chaos leads to
restriction of freedom.

Enlightenment – reason and logic. – tempting to see it as the purly cerebral movoement,( over
simplification)

as it was also about challenging authority, questioning tradition ( art and literature) sentiment
and sensibilities were celebreated as central aspect of human experience.

Very concept of natural right – grounded in emotional experience – moral intuitions. People
connected with these principals not because they were logically sound, because they felt
deeply right and true.

Condercet – universal reason and right –

Assembly – wasn’t a academic environment – but a stage – a dramatic one – speeches –

infused with passionate outburst and theatrical tones. Pursuation – not logic – appealing to
people’s emotions. so declration was not a dry legal document – but presented as a
performance, a spectacle that drew people in and make them feel that they are part of
momentous – shared emotional experience – collective emotional climate – shared sense of
fear, excitement and possibility –

This emotional undercurrent directly influenced – how certain rights were debated and
defined.

For eg – freedom of religion – suspicious of religious minority – sectarian minority – created

anxieities – no logic –
Religious pluralism was subverted – lead to people choosing their faith not based on reason
but passions.

Even when advocating restriction on certain rights – appealed to the power of emotions – not
rejecting sentiment but channelizing it to control it – intersrt of order and stability.

Freedom – tension – rights being restricted – but language – trying to balance – ( questions
that don’t have easy answer – so how do they navigated that time? )

John callus –

How monarchy was deligitmized – emotionally charged – turning public opinion. The way it
is presented , they way its communicated that resonates with public emoitons. Resonance

Declration – language of reasons and natural rights, those rights themselves often rooted in
deeply emotional experiences, it was about sense of fairness, desire of dignity, better future.
And those feelings and shared aspirations were powerful.

not abstract document of the past but living testament to human struggle for freedom.

Progress is not linear –

Free press – censorship – unchecked fear of press can lead to spread of dangerous rumou- s,

A11 – how do they balanced – freedom with accountability.

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is often seen as a triumph of
Enlightenment reason. However, the sources argue that emotions played a crucial role in
shaping the Declaration and the events leading up to it