Charles Baudelaire´s Book to Come: “Condorcet and Maquiavelo” Commentary on two letters to Mrs. Auspick (November 15, 1859 and December 8, 1859)

Abstract

Charles Baudelaire stated his primary fondness for philosophy. Catholic thought, however, underlies all his oeuvre. His preference for such a reflexive position is neither religious nor moral but intellectual. Within the theological framework of Saint Augustine, the poet highlights the voluptuousness of evil while feeling governed by the action of Satan. Nothing is more Catholic than the devil, he pointed out. From this perspective, his rejection of progressivism is evident. Democrats want to suppress hell. But the "Original Sin" is renewed every morning and condemns us to sacrifice and pain. Joseph de Maistre is one of his master thinkers. He was a historical determinist, a vigorous monarchist and a committed Catholic. However, through his letters to Mme. Auspick, Charles Baudelaire's call for an endless reflection on Machiavelli, opened up an enigmatic mystery.