It comprises, indeed, but one hundred and thirty-six registered Jacobins and about a hundred others who, in almost all cases, vote with the party;[2226] rigidity of opinion, however, more than compensates for lack of numbers.
In the front row are Guadet, Brissot, Gensonne, Veygniaud, Ducos, and Condorcet, the future chiefs of the Girondists, all of them lawyers or writers captivated by deductive politics, absolute in their convictions and proud of their faith.

According to them principles are true and must be applied without reservation;[2227] whoever would stop half-way is wanting in courage or intelligence.

As for themselves their minds are made up to push through.

With the self-confidence of youth and of theorists they draw their own conclusions and hug themselves with their strong belief in them.

"These gentlemen," says a keen observer,[2228] "professed great disdain for their predecessors, the Constituents, treating them as short-sighted and prejudiced people incapable of profiting by circumstances." "To the observations of wisdom, and disinterested wisdom,[2229] they replied with a scornful smile, indicative of the aridity proceeding from self-conceit.