…they were intent on framing a 'Declaration of the Rights of Man'. Some were heard to mutter that the Assembly should write the constitution first, since rights exist in virtue of laws, but jurisprudence is such a dull subject, and liberty so exciting.
In Hilary Mantel's "A Place of Greater Safety," the atmosphere among the assembly members reflects a strong desire to establish a 'Declaration of the Rights of Man.' This indicates their commitment to highlight individual rights and freedoms as fundamental values during a significant socio-political transformation. The enthusiasm for articulating these rights reveals their prioritization of liberty over dry legal principles.
Some assembly members, however, suggest that drafting the constitution should take precedence, arguing that rights are grounded in laws. Yet, the preference for discussing liberty over the complexities of jurisprudence showcases a common tension between idealism and practicality. This clash illustrates the complexities of constructing a new political order based on foundational rights.
