Hippolyte Lazare Carnot (1801–88) was a French politician, writer, and education reform advocate, known for his contributions to public instruction and republican ideals. He played a key role in France’s 19th-century political landscape, especially during the Second Republic.
Born in Saint-Omer, France, he was the son of Lazare Carnot, a French Revolution leader, and the brother of physicist Sadi Carnot. After Napoleon’s defeat (1815,) his family lived in exile, but he returned to France in 1823, turning to literature and philosophy.
Elected Deputy for Paris (1839,) he later served as Minister of Public Instruction (1848,) advocating free, compulsory primary education. His opposition to purely secular schools led to his resignation. Carnot was elected Senator for Life (1875) and remained active in republican politics.
Notable works include Chants Helléniens (1828,) a translation of Wilhelm Müller’s poetry, Exposé de la Doctrine Saint-Simonienne (1830,) Mémoires sur Carnot (1861–64,) and Mémoires de Barère de Vieuzac (1842–43,) co-authored with David d’Angers.
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In a free country there is much clamor with little suffering: in a despotic state there is little complaint but much suffering.
—Hippolyte Lazare Carnot
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