Mémoire sur le paupérisme

Auteur

Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political thinker and historian, born in 1805, whose work profoundly influenced discussions on democracy and society. He studied law in his youth, becoming an insightful observer of social structures and political dynamics. His keen intellect led him to travel to America, where he analyzed the democratic system and its effects on the citizenry.During his travels in the United States, Tocqueville meticulously documented his observations, resulting in the seminal work Democracy in America. This text explored how democracy shaped American values, governance, and society, offering perspectives that were revolutionary for European audiences. His ideas on the balance between liberty and equality remain influential in political theory today.Tocqueville continued to be active in political life in France, serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1849. Despite his conservative background, he advocated for reforms and social justice, especially concerning Algeria. His writings on democracy, governance, and freedom continue to inspire, marking him as one of the foremost political thinkers of the 19th century.

Texte du rabat

Ce mémoire a été présenté à la Société académique de Cherbourg en 1835. Il s'agit d'une analyse de fond de la gestion de la pauvreté dans une société donnée, en général mais plus précisément dans une société moderne divisée en plusieurs «classes sociales». Pour ce faire, il remonte jusqu'au XIIème siècle où seules deux catégories existaient : ceux qui possédaient la terre et ceux qui la travaillaient... Ce recueil inclut aussi le second mémoire sur le paupérisme, mémoire écrit en 1837 au moment où l'auteur allait se présenter, pour la pre-mière fois, aux législatives dans la circonscription de Valognes. Mémoire inachevé et non publié.