At the University of Pisa, where he studied law, Buonarroti had been acquainted with the 18th century social philosophers especially Helvetius, Mably, Rousseau and Morelly, who had moulded his social and political ideology. When the French Revolution broke out he was among the most courageous protagonists to defend its ideas: "J'attendais depuis longtemps le signal, il fut donne". In October 17...