A 16th-century French lawyer and author who wrote influential works on Stoicism and moral philosophy, shaping Western thought on ethics and governance.
Guillaume du Vair was a French bishop, author, lawyer, and politician who made significant contributions to the fields of law, literature, and politics. He is best known for his treaties on eloquence and philosophy, as well as his prominent roles as Magistrate of the Parliament and Keeper of the Seals of France under King Louis XIII.
Born on March 7, 1556, in Paris, France, du Vair took holy orders and initially focused on legal functions throughout his career. However, from 1617 until his death, he held the office of Bishop of Lisieux.
In 1584, du Vair became a counsellor of the Parlement of Paris and, as deputy for Paris to the Estates of the League, delivered his renowned politicolegal discourse. This discourse, nominally in support of the Salic law, was, in reality, directed against the Spanish infanta's claim to the French crown. King Henry IV of France acknowledged du Vair's services by entrusting him with a special commission as magistrate at Marseille and appointing him Master of Requests.
In 1595, du Vair published his treatise De l'éloquence française et des raisons pour quoi elle est demeurée si basse, in which he critiques the orators of his day, providing examples from ancient orators' speeches in translation. This work showcases his mastery of eloquence and his ability to reproduce the spirit of the originals.
La Philosophie morale des Stoiques, translated into English by Thomas James in 1598 and Charles Cotton in 1664, is another of his notable treatises. This work demonstrates his philosophical contributions to the field of Stoicism.
De la constance et consolation ès calamités publiques, composed during the siege of Paris, addresses the importance of constancy and consolation in the face of public calamities.
In 1596, du Vair was sent to England with the Marshal de Bouillon to negotiate a league against Spain. He became the first president of the Parlement of Provence at Aix-en-Provence in 1599 and was appointed to the see of Marseille in 1603, a position he soon resigned to resume the presidency.
In 1616, he received the highest promotion open to a French lawyer, becoming the Keeper of the Seals of France.
As both a speaker and writer, du Vair was highly regarded by his contemporaries. His treatises and discourses continue to showcase his mastery of eloquence, philosophy, and politics. He died on August 3, 1621, at Tonneins, Lot-et-Garonne, leaving behind a rich legacy in the fields of law, literature, and politics.
Born in 1533
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