Letter: Enlightenment in France and Wales

Wednesday 08 July 1992 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Contrary to the assumption expressed in Simon Denloon's article ('French Enlightenment 'took its ideas fron the English' ', 7 July), every 'enlightened' specialist of the 18th century is fully aware of the influence of 17th-century English radicals and the interest of French philosophes for English and Scottish ideas.

Should it be pointed out that Montesquieu came to be regarded with the same reverence as Locke and Newton, both in Britain and America? To deny the international roots of the 'Enlightenment' and ascribe it to a few isolated writers is not only absurd but also prejudicial to a fair understanding of our common European heritage.

Yours faithfully,

JEAN-MARC PASCAL

Sherborne,

Dorset

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Letter: Enlightenment in France and Wales

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering