How did Madame de Staël generally view the act of public expression?
Necessary but potentially hazardous
Essential and unproblematic
Dangerous and unneeded
Undesirable but necessary
Answer
Public expression, as viewed by Madame de Staël, was both necessary and potentially fraught with peril. She believed that its significance for fostering intellectual development, the propagation of ideas, and social change made it indispensable. However, she acknowledged the risks associated with openly sharing thoughts and opinions in societies with restrictive or oppressive tendencies.
Enlightenment and Romance: The Life and Works of Germaine de Staël
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