duc de François-Alexandre-Frédéric La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt

Born in 1747, he was a French nobleman best known as the duc de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt and as a social reformer with unusually broad interests. He supported practical improvements rather than grand theory, and is often remembered for encouraging technical education and modern farming methods.

During the French Revolution, he served in public life and was known for moderate, reforming views. The upheaval of the 1790s forced him into exile for a time, and he traveled in England and North America before returning to France near the end of the century.

What makes him especially interesting for readers today is how hands-on he was: he helped found the school that became the École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers, promoted a model farm at Liancourt, and worked on projects meant to strengthen industry and social welfare. He died in 1827, leaving a reputation as an aristocrat who tried to put privilege to practical use.