Jean Meslier was a French Catholic priest who lived in the 17th century. Despite his position as a priest, Meslier was a man of great intelligence and skepticism, who challenged the traditional religious beliefs of his time. He is most known for his posthumously published work, “Memoirs of a Priest,” which outlines his philosophical views and critiques of religion.

Meslier was a rationalist who believed in the power of reason and evidence over blind faith. He argued that religion was used as a tool by the ruling class to control and exploit the masses and that it was filled with contradictions and superstitions. He was critical of the Church, which he saw as corrupt and oppressive, and believed that people should be free to think and believe as they choose.

In his “Memoirs,” Meslier espoused a materialist philosophy, which holds that the physical world is the only reality and that all mental and spiritual phenomena can be explained by natural causes. He rejected the idea of an afterlife, arguing that death is the end of a person’s existence. He was also a social critic who was concerned about the inequality and poverty of his time and advocated for a more just and equal society.

In conclusion, Jean Meslier was a bold and pioneering figure who challenged the religious and social norms of his time. His ideas had a profound impact on the Enlightenment, and his legacy continues to inspire skepticism and critical thinking. Meslier’s “Memoirs of a Priest” is a testament to his bravery and commitment to reason, and serves as a reminder of the importance of free thought and skepticism in the face of blind faith and dogma. Just imagine the risk he took to say what he did in his time, was incredible and admirable. It is one of the reasons why I quote him so many times.