Les vrais sages sont des rebelles (The True Elders Are Rebels) is a lower middle grade non-fiction graphic novel published in 2021 by Editions Nathan which chronicles the history of philosophy from Antiquity to the present day in an accessible and fun way. It has sold more than 9,000 copies in France and translation rights have been sold in China and South Korea. 

How do you get children to understand basic philosophical concepts? Les vrais sages sont des rebelles is a fun and humorous look at the daily lives of the great philosophers so as to better understand their lives, their thoughts, and their impact on our lives today.  An original approach that combines historical context, fun anecdotes, key ideas and practical rules to apply on a daily basis such as "simple rules to guide you in life according to Kant's morality": "when you act do so because the principle is good, not because it will make you happy or please you!  Always respect others... and always consider the ends and not the means."

 

Thanks to the plain language and the humorous illustrations, the philosopher and writer Chiara Pastorini and the graphic artist and illustrator Perceval Barrier make it easy for children to comprehend the great philosophical questions.  "Perceval has, through humor and precision, given shape to concepts that are sometimes difficult to understand. His illustrations augment the text and help emphasis its meaning!" says Chiara Pastorini. 

 

In addition to a full overview of the history of philosophy from Socrates and Plato to Hannah Arendt, including Diogenes and Descartes, Les vrais sages sont des rebelles is a guide on learning to contemplate so that children can consider subjects that are particularly close to their hearts such as happiness, friendship, justice and the environment. "It is also a philosophy-based book on personal development.  Epicureans explain that we should, for example, moderate pleasures, avoid excesses which we become used to and which then lead to suffering because we lose them.  There are little tips like this to better manage our lives. It’s a good point," says Simon, 14, in Philosophie Magazine.

 

"A graphic novel not only accessible to children, but to adults as well"

 

In February 2021, in spite of its being in the midst of the pandemic, with no fairs or exhibitions, "the graphic novel received a very positive reception from booksellers who, despite the situation, helped tremendously and gave its launch great visibility," explains Maurine Pinna, foreign rights representative at Nathan.

 

With more than 9,000 copies sold to date in France, Les vrais sages sont des rebelles new approach to the history of philosophy in the form of a non-fiction graphic novel has also quickly seduced foreign publishers. According to Maurine Pinna, foreign publishers are particularly drawn to the fact "that the graphic novel can be read as a family, that it is accessible to children, as well as adults."

 

To date, rights have been sold in China and South Korea.

 

Hannah Sandvoss 
April 2022