Voltaire, one of the most celebrated Enlightenment thinkers, was a master of wit, satire, and social criticism. His works have left an indelible mark on philosophy, politics, and literature. Voltaire’s ability to question the status quo, his profound insight into human nature, and his fearless critique of religious and governmental institutions have made him a timeless figure in intellectual history. His quotes often offer sharp critiques of society, highlight the importance of reason, and call for a more just world. In this article, we explore 48 of Voltaire’s most famous and thought-provoking quotes. Each quote stands on its own, reflecting his sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to truth and reason.
48 Famous Voltaire Quotes That Inspire and Challenge Thought
1. “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
2. “The best is the enemy of the good.”
3. “All is for the best, in the best of all possible worlds.”
4. “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”
5. “If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.”
6. “We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other’s follies.”
7. “Common sense is not so common.”
8. “It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.”
9. “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
10. “The more I read, the more I acquire, the more certain I am that I know nothing.”
11. “The only way to comprehend what mathematicians mean by Infinity is to contemplate the extent of human stupidity.”
12. “Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.”
13. “Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.”
14. “All men are born free and equal, but everywhere they are in chains.”
15. “Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.”
16. “Those who are able to make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
17. “A witty saying proves nothing.”
18. “It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.”
19. “We are all equal in the eyes of the law, but some are more equal than others.”
20. “The more things are ordered, the more they will get out of order.”
21. “The secret of being a bore is to tell everything.”
22. “It is not enough to possess a good mind; the main thing is to use it well.”
23. “Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.”
24. “Love truth, but pardon error.”
25. “Originality is nothing but judicious imitation.”
26. “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.”
27. “He who does not know how to live must make a profession of dying.”
28. “What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s folly.”
29. “It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce.”
30. “If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticize.”
31. “Those who believe in absurdities will commit atrocities.”
32. “Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.”
33. “The trouble with our age is that it is all too much with us.”
34. “The greatest consolation in life is the conviction that we are loved.”
35. “Injustice in the end produces independence.”
36. “All people are born to be equal, but they are not born to be free.”
37. “It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.”
38. “It is not enough to be free, one must be just.”
39. “To hold a pen is to be at war.”
40. “The only way to deal with this life meaningfully is to find one’s passion.”
41. “When you are right, you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.”
42. “Men are equal; it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference.”
43. “All religions are equally sublime to the ignorant, useful to the politician, and ridiculous to the philosopher.”
44. “An ideal is the impossible.”
45. “Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.”
46. “Happiness is a good conscience, and nothing else.”
47. “One day everything will be well, that is our hope. Everything’s fine today, that is our illusion.”
48. “Let us not ask for what is not in our power.”
Conclusion
Voltaire’s words resonate across time, offering wisdom, humor, and insight into the human condition. His unwavering commitment to reason, his critique of institutions, and his advocacy for freedom of expression make him a towering figure in philosophy. Each of the 48 quotes presented here provides a glimpse into his sharp mind and his passionate pursuit of justice and truth. Whether challenging the norms of his time or reflecting on the nature of humanity, Voltaire’s words continue to inspire and provoke thought. By reflecting on these quotes, we can better appreciate his contribnment thinking and consider how his ideas might still be applied in today’s world.
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