Quote of the Month
Each month, we highlight a thought-provoking Enlightenment quote to give voice to the past.
August 2025
The philosophical century must be a century of happiness.
Ivan Dominik Stratik, A Learned Debate on the New Subject (1776)
July 2025
The happiness of a nation is peace externally; it is security and activity internally; it is the free labour of all citizens; it is the greatest possible amount of real wealth. Every nation can enjoy these—both the greatest and the smallest alike.
Tomo Bassegli, Discours sur l’utilité publique (1793)
June 2025
Everyone desires a reform in their homeland that would bring about and secure the general well-being, and a secret voice, repeated a thousand times with all the heart and strength of an imperative, strives to preserve the peace of one’s fellow citizens as the only true path to the happiness of the nation.
Ivan Luka Garagnin, Riflessioni economico politiche sopra la Dalmazia (between 1786 and 1796)
May 2025
District chiefs… could, in some regions, bring happiness to the Morlachs—or at least make them less unhappy. But their greatest happiness would lie in freeing themselves from old prejudices. In this way, they would become industrious in peace and courageous in war. An enlightened people brings prosperity to itself and its ruler.
Ivan Lovrić, Osservazioni sopra diversi pezzi del Viaggio in Dalmazia del signor abate Alberto Fortis (Venice, 1776)
April 2025
One must always gather knowledge without worrying about its immediate use; trust that time will reveal how to apply what has been learned. Always collect materials—you will be able to build when the occasion arises; without them, no structure is possible.
Tomo Bassegli, Florilegium (18th ct.)
We find it appropriate […] to promote the establishment of a Trading Company, which, by uniting its strength, knowledge, and care, will strive […] to develop the various branches of a necessary and profitable commerce.
