Marie Jean Antoine Nicolas de Caritat, Marquis de Condorcet, was an 18th-century French philosopher, mathematician, and political scientist, renowned for his contributions to the Enlightenment and his advocacy for human rights and social progress. Born in 1743, Condorcet was a key figure in the intellectual movement that sought to use reason and science as tools for improving society. His work spanned various fields, from mathematics to philosophy, and he was deeply involved in the political changes during the French Revolution.

Condorcet is best known for his optimistic belief in the power of human progress and the potential for rational thought to improve society. He was a vocal advocate for education reform, women’s rights, and the abolition of slavery. His work, including “Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind,” reflects his conviction that humanity can overcome oppression and inequality through enlightenment and reason. Condorcet’s ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and continue to inspire those who believe in the potential for a better, more equitable world.