Single Idea 19857

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / B. Equalities / 2. Political equality]

Full Idea

All citizens being equal in the eyes of the law are equally eligible to all honours, offices, and public employments, according to their abilities and without other distinction than that of their virtues and talents.

Gist of Idea

All citizens are eligible for roles in the state, purely on the basis of merit

Source

Mirabeau and committee (Declaration of the Rights of Man [1789], 06)

Book Reference

'Les Philosophes', ed/tr. Torrey,Norman L. [Perigee 1980], p.285


A Reaction

This proclamation of meritocracy must have rung bells around the cities of Europe, and was a reason why many people enjoyed being invaded by Napoleon.