Why did Condorcet believe the French Revolution marked a new epoch of human progress?

The Marquis de Condorcet viewed the French Revolution as a pivotal moment in human history because he believed it signaled the transition into a new epoch of progress, characterized by the advancement of reason, liberty, and equality.1

In his work, Sketch for a Historical Picture of the Progress of the Human Mind, Condorcet outlined a theory of history consisting of nine past stages, with the Revolution serving as the threshold to a 10th epoch. He argued that this future era would be defined by three fundamental tendencies:1
* The destruction of inequality between nations.1
* The destruction of inequality between social classes.1
* The indefinite perfectibility of human nature, both intellectually and morally.1

Condorcet maintained that human history is a record of continuous advancement toward perfection. He believed that by applying reason to social affairs—through reforms in education, the protection of natural rights, and the promotion of economic and religious freedom—humanity could achieve an endless state of improvement and happiness. For Condorcet, the Revolution was not merely a political event but the practical application of Enlightenment ideals intended to secure equality of rights for all, including women.1