Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations and Notes
- Introduction
- 1 1843–1844: The Battle against the Pedantocracy
- 2 Tensions in Comte's Relationships, 1842–1846
- 3 Clotilde de Vaux and the Initial Encounter with Comte
- 4 The Muse's Tragic End
- 5 Pain and Recognition
- 6 The Revolution of 1848
- 7 Discours sur l'ensemble du positivisme
- 8 Personal and Professional Disappointments
- 9 The Early Development of the Religion of Humanity
- 10 The Development of the Positivist Movement
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
- References
5 - Pain and Recognition
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 January 2010
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations and Notes
- Introduction
- 1 1843–1844: The Battle against the Pedantocracy
- 2 Tensions in Comte's Relationships, 1842–1846
- 3 Clotilde de Vaux and the Initial Encounter with Comte
- 4 The Muse's Tragic End
- 5 Pain and Recognition
- 6 The Revolution of 1848
- 7 Discours sur l'ensemble du positivisme
- 8 Personal and Professional Disappointments
- 9 The Early Development of the Religion of Humanity
- 10 The Development of the Positivist Movement
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index
- References
Summary
How could a doctrine that clearly highlights the natural participation of every existence in the harmony of the universe tend to isolate us more from the general milieu? … I feel every day that my philosophical convictions make me increasingly sympathize with everyone who surrounds me. Although I am very isolated in my daily life, it is only because of personal taste and a sort of spontaneous routine; my philosophy combats them … and certainly does away with every nuance of misanthropy.
Comte to Barbot de Chement, 1846MORE DISAPPOINTMENT
According to J. Marès, manic-depressives become extremely melancholy or maniacal after the death of someone they love. Indeed, right after de Vaux's funeral, Comte began to deal with a sadness that he said was “without equal” and would last forever. Yet matters shortly became worse. About a month after her death, Comte experienced more grief. One of his oldest and closest friends, Charles Bonnin, died on May 27, 1846 at the age of seventy-six. He prided himself on being Comte's first disciple. Indeed, he had been corresponding with Comte since 1829 and for years had joined him and Lenoir once a month at Blainville's home for dinner. A radical publicist and friend of Lazare Carnot, Bonnin demonstrated the “profound affinity” that could exist between the “pure spirit of the revolution” and positivism. Comte always appreciated this leftist's support.
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- Information
- Auguste ComteAn Intellectual Biography, pp. 230 - 265Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2009