Inventing the Individual

Larry Sidentop's "Inventing the Individual" challenges conventional narratives about the Enlightenment, arguing that the concept of the individual is deeply rooted in Christian thought and practice.

The book traces the development of individualism from antiquity through the Middle Ages, highlighting the crucial role of canon lawyers and their interpretation of natural law.

Sidentop demonstrates how the Christian emphasis on the inherent dignity and worth of each person, regardless of social status, laid the groundwork for modern conceptions of individual rights and freedoms.

He counters the common misconception of a secular classical world, revealing the pervasive influence of religious beliefs and practices.

Ultimately, the book offers a compelling revisionist history, showing how the seemingly secular values of the Enlightenment are profoundly indebted to the Christian tradition.