Professor of history at Sorbonne University, Éric Mension-Rigau publishes “
Remaining noble in the world of business.
On the usefulness of the old elites
” (Passés compound, 2024).
To discover
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LE FIGARO. - Since when did the aristocracy, traditionally associated with land rents and military service, invest in the business world
?
ÉRIC MENSION-RIGAU. -
The nobility has never defined itself as an economic class, unlike the bourgeoisie, which does not exist without money, has no prejudice towards mercantile activities and enjoys a social position resulting from its talent and from his work.
A major rupture, the Revolution put an end to the society of the three orders, de facto removed derogation and forced emigrant nobles to work to survive.
In the 19th century, the nobility was supported by alliances with the rich bourgeoisie.
At the end of the century, she joined the boards of directors of insurance companies and banks, to which she brought…
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