Exploring The Witty Wisdom Of Voltaire: Quotes That Shape Our Understanding

As one of the greatest French Enlightenment writers, François-Marie d'Arouet (1694–1778), who was better known by his pen name “Voltaire,” was a prolific writer and witty philosopher. He dedicated his life to advocating for social concerns on critical issues in society, such as religious dogma, French government establishments of the time, and the intolerance in the community. Voltaire's insightful and often humorous quotes continue to resonate even years after his death, reflecting ongoing struggles and enlightening perspectives.

Just like most Enlightenment philosophers before him, Voltaire was an outspoken advocate for civil liberties. He addressed pressing issues concerning freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and criticism of Christianity. His literary prowess shines through his works—ranging from poems to essays and novels—which are rich with thought-provoking quotes that challenge societal norms and provoke critical thinking.

Below is a compilation of some of the most famous Voltaire quotes that will inspire your critical thinking and provide a wealth of creative expressions for your daily conversations. These quotes not only entertain but also invite us to rethink our beliefs and the world around us.

Voltaire Love Quotes

Below is a selection of some of the best Voltaire quotes about love from the French philosopher.

• A man loved by a beautiful woman will always get out of trouble.
• This self-love is the instrument of our preservation; it resembles the provision for the perpetuity of mankind: it is necessary, it is dear to us, it gives us pleasure, and we must conceal it.
• Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination.
• It is not love that should be depicted as blind, but self-love.
• Whatever you do, crush the infamous thing, and love those who love you.
• The ear is the avenue to the heart.
• Love has features which pierce all hearts; he wears a bandage which conceals the faults of those beloved. He has wings; he comes quickly and flies away the same.
• Change everything except your loves.
• Friendship is the marriage of the soul, and this marriage is liable to divorce.
• Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother-in-law.
• It is love; love, the comfort of the human species, the preserver of the universe, the soul of all sentient beings, love, tender love.

Famous Voltaire Quotes About Knowledge

Knowledge is a cornerstone of Voltaire's philosophy, reflected in his sharp wit and insightful observations.

• The multitude of books is making us ignorant.
• Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too.
• Dare to think for yourself.
• We only half live when we half think.
• Don't think money does everything, or you are going to end up doing everything for money.
• Men will always be mad, and those who think they can cure them are the maddest of all.
• Fools have a habit of believing that everything written by a famous author is admirable. For my part, I read only to please myself, and like only what suits my taste.

Voltaire's Candide Quotes

In his satirical novel "Candide," Voltaire explores themes of optimism and the absurdities of life.

• “…and private misfortunes make the public good, so that the more private misfortunes there are, the more everything is well.”
• If this is the best of all possible worlds, what are the others?
• Nothing could be smarter, more splendid, more brilliant, better drawn up than two armies...Trumpets, fifes, hautboys, drums, cannons formed a harmony such as never been heard in hell.

Voltaire Quotes About Life

Voltaire's reflections on life are both profound and accessible, offering valuable lessons.

• Love truth, and pardon error.
• Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.
• Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.
• Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.
• The safest course is to do nothing against one’s conscience. With this secret, we can enjoy life and have no fear from death.
• Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.
• We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.
• Life is too short, time too valuable, to spend it on what is useless.
• Common sense is not so common.

Criticism of Religion by Voltaire

Voltaire was famously critical of organized religion and its influence on society.

• Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd, and bloody religion that has ever infected the world.
• The Bible. That is what fools have written, what imbeciles commend, what rogues teach, and young children are made to learn by heart.
• Of all religions, the Christian should, of course, inspire the most tolerance, but until now, Christians have been the most intolerant of all men.
• Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than reason and common sense.
• Religion began when the first scoundrel met the first fool.
• “God is a comedian playing to an audience that is too afraid to laugh.”

Quotes from Voltaire About Power

Voltaire's thoughts on power reveal his skepticism about authority and governance.

• Anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices.
• Anyone who seeks to destroy the passions instead of controlling them is trying to play the angel.
• It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce.
• The sovereign is called a tyrant who knows no laws but his caprice.
• Clever tyrants are never punished.
• Business is the salt of life.
• Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time.

Justice and Law in Voltaire's Perspective

Voltaire had strong views on justice and law, advocating for clarity and fairness.

• Let the punishments of criminals be useful. A hanged man is good for nothing; a man condemned to public works still serves the country, and is a living lesson.
• All men have equal rights to liberty, to their property, and to the protection of the laws.
• I was never ruined but twice: Once when I lost a lawsuit, and once when I won one.
• If you want good laws, burn those you have and make new ones.
• A multitude of laws in a country is like a great number of physicians, a sign of weakness and malady.
• Let the laws be clear, uniform and precise for interpreting laws is always to corrupt them.

Insights on Government from Voltaire

Voltaire's insights into government reflect his deep skepticism about politics and governance.

• It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.
• The art of government consists in taking as much money as possible to a class of citizens to give to another.
• When the mob gets involved in reasoning, all is lost.
• Politics has its source in evil than in the greatness of the human spirit.
• Governments need to have both shepherds and butchers.
• One of the chief misfortunes of honest people is that they are cowardly.
• A long dispute means that both parties are wrong.

Freedom of Speech: Voltaire's Standpoint

Freedom of speech was a vital principle for Voltaire, emphasizing its importance for society.

• I do not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death for your right to say it.
• If you have two religions in your land, the two will cut each other’s throats; but if you have thirty religions, they will dwell in peace.
• Liberty of thought is the life of the soul.
• Let