When once enthusiasm has been turned into ridicule, everything is undone except money and power

When once enthusiasm has been turned into ridicule, everything is undone except money and power

Madame de Stael, born Anne Louise Germaine Necker, was a prominent French writer and intellectual during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was known for her sharp wit, political commentary, and passionate enthusiasm for literature and philosophy. However, despite her intelligence and talent, Madame de Stael often found herself the subject of ridicule and criticism from her contemporaries.

The quote, "When once enthusiasm has been turned into ridicule, everything is undone except money and power," perfectly encapsulates the challenges that Madame de Stael faced during her lifetime. Despite her fervent passion for intellectual pursuits and her desire to engage in meaningful discourse, she was often dismissed and belittled by those in power. Her ideas were seen as radical and threatening to the status quo, leading to her being marginalized and ostracized by society.

Madame de Stael's enthusiasm for literature and philosophy was seen as a threat to the established order, and she was often mocked and ridiculed for her beliefs. Her outspoken nature and refusal to conform to societal norms made her a target for criticism and derision. Despite her intelligence and talent, she was unable to overcome the stigma of being labeled as a radical and a troublemaker.