Buzz
François-Marie Arouet, better known by his pen name Voltaire, was a prominent writer, historian, and philosopher during the Enlightenment. He championed civil liberties and religious freedom, and his sharp, insightful wit remains legendary. I believe Voltaire is often underappreciated in the Western world, which is unfortunate, as his writings, along with those of his peers, significantly influenced the American and French Revolutions. However, many of his quotes are frequently cited today, often without the depth and intention that Voltaire originally intended.
This collection highlights the profound ideas Voltaire conveyed in just a few words. Feel free to suggest your favorite quotes, as many were inevitably left out. I also highly recommend reading his brilliantly witty and satirical novel Candide – it's an accessible and engaging read, and one of the finest works of its era.
1 Quotes 15 – 11
15. “I’ve only ever prayed to God once, a brief plea: ‘O Lord, make my enemies appear foolish.’ And God answered.”
14. “Respect is due to the living, but honesty is owed to the dead.”
13. “A government must balance the roles of caretakers and enforcers.”
12. “Cherish truth, yet forgive mistakes.”
11. “It’s wiser to risk freeing a guilty individual than to wrongfully punish an innocent one.”
2 Quotes 10 – 6
10. “Believing that virginity is a virtue is one of humanity’s superstitions.”
9. “Being correct is perilous when those in power are mistaken.”
8. “Some truths are not meant for everyone, nor for every era.”
7. “A clever remark doesn’t prove anything.”
6. “The human condition is such that desiring greatness for one’s nation often means wishing misfortune upon others.”
3 Quotes 5 – 1
5. “The key to being tedious is to reveal every detail.”
4. “Creating a tragedy demands boldness and courage.”
3. “If God were nonexistent, humanity would need to create Him.”
2. “I may disagree with your words, but I would fight for your right to express them.” In reality, Voltaire stated: “Think independently and allow others the same freedom.” Learn more about this famous misattribution here.
1. “Pleasure begins with illusion.”
