Emerich de Vattel

Emmerich de Vattel was a prominent philosopher, diplomat, and jurist of Swiss origin, born on April 25, 1714, in Couvet, Principality of Neuchâtel. He passed away on December 28, 1767, in the same location. Vattel's intellectual journey began with studies in classics and philosophy at Basel and Geneva, where he developed a deep interest in the works of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Christian Wolff. His early defense of Leibniz's system against Jean-Pierre de Crousaz demonstrated his philosophical acumen. Seeking public employment, he moved to Berlin and later to Dresden, where he received a favorable reception from Count Brühl. In 1746, he was appointed councilor of embassy and minister to Bern by Augustus III of Saxony. His diplomatic duties allowed him ample time for literature and jurisprudence. Vattel's most significant contribution is his 1758 book, "The Law of Nations" (*Le droit des gens*). Deeply influenced by Christian Wolff's "Jus Gentium Methodo Scientifica Pertractum," Vattel's work translated Wolff's Latin text and integrated his own insights, also drawing from Hugo Grotius and Leibniz. The book focused on the rights and obligations of states and citizens, significantly impacting international diplomacy and Just War Theory. Vattel famously articulated the "Golden Rule of Sovereigns": "One cannot complain when he is treated as he treats others." The work saw multiple English translations, with the 1760 translation being among the earliest. Benjamin Franklin noted its importance to the American Congress during its formative years, and George Washington was known to have borrowed a copy. Vattel also published "Questions de droit naturel, ou Observations sur le traité du droit de la nature, par Wolff" in 1762, further exploring natural law. His health declined due to his intense work, and he died in 1767. Vattel's influence extended significantly to the American founders, making his work a cornerstone of early American thought on international law.