Erik Maria Ritter von Kuehnelt-Leddihn was an Austrian-American nobleman and polymath, whose areas of interest included philosophy, history, political science, economics, linguistics, art and theology. He opposed the ideas of the French Revolution, as well as those of communism and Nazism. Describing himself as a "conservative arch-liberal" or "extreme liberal", Kuehnelt-Leddihn often argued that majority rule in democracies is a threat to individual liberties. He declared himself a monarchist and an enemy of all forms of totalitarianism, although he also supported what he defined as "non-democratic republics", such as Switzerland and the early United States. Kuehnelt-Leddihn cited the U.S. Founding Fathers, Tocqueville, Burckhardt, and Montalembert as the primary influences for his skepticism towards democracy.
Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, Austrian theorist and author (died 1999)
On July 31, in the year 1909, Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, Austrian theorist and author (died 1999). This event is recorded as a Notable Births event in the history of July 31, one of 399 recorded events on this date across all of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on July 31, 1909 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Births event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 16 May 2026.
On This Date in History 399
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