Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, deist, and philosopher. Through his capacity for critical thinking, wit, and satire, he advocated the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state.
1 Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire
People can be persuaded into believing even in the most absurd things. Don’t be so gullible. Learn to think critically so you don’t end up committing atrocities.
2 Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. -Voltaire
Every decision has its pros and cons. We usually regret not following the other choice and imagine if our situation could have been better. We end up feeling guilty of not making better decisions.
3 Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. -Voltaire
No one has answers to all the questions. Those who found out solutions had the ability to think of questions in the first place. Your ability to think is reflected by the questions you ask.
4 Man is free at the moment he wishes to be. -Voltaire
We have the power to change what we don’t like and free ourselves from problems. This only happens when one has the will and determination to fight adversity.
5 Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. -Voltaire
Herd mentality can be very dangerous. We often find ourselves trapped and manipulated by others. However, this does not happen when one is able to think independently.
6 Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause. -Voltaire
Behind every event is a cause. Nothing happens by chance. There’s always something that leads to particular things to happen.
7 Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes. -Voltaire
Differences of opinion lead to huge misunderstandings, which in turn lead to conflicts and wars. Even nature does not get as furious as humans do.
8 To hold a pen is to be at war. -Voltaire
A person who is able to think critically is the most powerful person. After all, most conflicts occur due to differences of opinion. Someone who can argue well doesn’t need to declare a war to prove their point.
9 We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies – it is the first law of nature. -Voltaire
Don’t strive to be perfect because that’s impossible. Even if you try your best, you will never be flawless.
10 Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time. -Voltaire
Utilizing your potential to the fullest does not happen overnight. People who are able to perform their best can do so only by being persistent despite challenges.
11 He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked. -Voltaire
People who know too much are often ignorant of their limitations. They believe that they have all the answers and don’t require learning from others.
12 Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others? -Voltaire
We are often told to learn from our own experiences. However, it is wiser to learn from others’ mistakes and not commit them ourselves.
13 Everything’s fine today, that is our illusion. -Voltaire
Don’t delude yourself into believing that everything is fine even when it is not. It is also important to look at the negative side because it might get worse in the future.
14 One great use of words is to hide our thoughts. -Voltaire
Many people mince their words to deceive others because they don’t want to reveal their true intentions. They hide their thoughts by speaking about irrelevant things.
15 Tears are the silent language of grief. -Voltaire
When we are unable to express our emotions in words, we let them out through other ways. At some point of time, you must vent your feelings. Crying can help you feel better.
15 Best Quotes by the French Philosopher Voltaire
1. Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire
2. Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. -Voltaire
3. Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers. -Voltaire
4. Man is free at the moment he wishes to be. -Voltaire
5. Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so, too. -Voltaire
6. Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause. -Voltaire
7. Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes. -Voltaire
8. To hold a pen is to be at war. -Voltaire
9. We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies – it is the first law of nature. -Voltaire
10. Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time. -Voltaire
11. He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked. -Voltaire
12. Is there anyone so wise as to learn by the experience of others? -Voltaire
13. Everything’s fine today, that is our illusion. -Voltaire
14. One great use of words is to hide our thoughts. -Voltaire
15. Tears are the silent language of grief. -Voltaire
