Writer, born in Clermont, France. He made an entrance into the literary circles of Paris, and lived for years by his wit, writing tales, dramas, and maxims, many of which were widely circulated at the time. He joined the Jacobins at the outbreak of the French Revolution (1789), but his remarks on the Terror brought him into disfavour. Threatened with arrest, he tried to commit suicide, and died after several days' suffering.