Claude-Adrien Helvétius

Helvétius, (Jean) Claude-Adrien, FRS [24 Apr 1755] (18 Jul 1685–17 Jul 1755), French philosopher.

Born in Paris, trained for financial career, but in 1738, appointed Farmer-Gen, a lucrative office, but in 1751, withdrew from public life to the family estate at Voiré, where he spent the remainder of his life in philosophy and as host to Les Philosophes, a group of French thinkers.

In 1758, published the controversial De l’Esprit, advancing the view that sensation is the source of all intellectual activity and that self-interest is the moving force of all human action. The book was promptly denounced by the Sorbonne, condemned by Parliament in Paris to be publicly burnt, which was duly carried out by the executioner, 1761. As a result, it was widely read, translated into all main European languages and, with posthumous De l’homme, 1772, greatly influenced Jeremy Bentham and the English utilitarians.

Member of the Freemasons, L. Les Neuf Sœurs [Nine Muses], Paris. His apron, following his death, was handed to Voltaire, FRS, at his Initiation.

• Read more - FR
• Hogg, Bruce; Freemasons and the Royal Society ed 2; Library and Museum of Freemasonry; January 2012; page 56