Meslier's Testament Analysis

Meslier’s Testament: Memoir the Thoughts and Sentiments of Jean Meslier surpasses all previous attempts at disrupting European stability. The manuscript, written with intense rage, contains Meslier’s examination of the injustice around him. In Testament, Meslier completely abolishes the existence of God, attacks religious practices, discredits political leaders, and calls for a reform. It is not an overstatement to say that Meslier’s thoughts will be the starting points of many revolutions to come. If appropriate measures are not taken, the manuscript may even spread the practice of atheism. For these reasons, Meslier is the single most disruptive force in this century, challenging religious belief, political authority, and social order.

Meslier

The strongest argument unheard is as pointless as a madman’s rant. Meslier uses a combination of repetition, colloquialism, and anecdotes to make his point “clear [and] understandable”. His repeated uses of provocative words such as “God-cultist” and “greedy politicians” drives his point home and leaves a bold mark in the reader memory. Meslier makes constant reference to “my dear friends” as he attempts to “speak to [his readers]” in the Testament. This is enhanced by his long-winded sentences that embody his flow of thoughts. In essence, the reader feels as if Meslier is speaking to him or her directly. He also uses anecdotes, such as the one of “a man… who [has] no culture of education…[but] did not lack common sense…” realizes how terrible the rulers treated the commoners; this man, eventually, makes the infamous statement that he wishes “all the rulers of the earth and all the nobles be hanged and strangled with the guts of priests” . Meslier uses anecdotes like for two purposes. First, he provides grounds for his primary audience, the peasants, and commoners, to relate to and do not feel alienated by the extensive logical proofs and reasoning. Second, he mentions them as testimonials that prove his points are accepted by others, which motivates the reader to follow along. Ultimately, Meslier’s decision to write down all of his revolutionary thoughts to be passed down after his death, rather than openly speak about them while alive, is wise. While a man can be killed and his thoughts along with him, the written word immortalizes thoughts and transcend them throughout time, passing forward the ideas to generations to come. When it is appreciated by the literate, influential person, the Testament completes its task in silence, making it difficult for the Church to detect the subtle change of heart. It is evident that Meslier’s