Historian, Philosopher and one of the greatest French Enlightenment writers, Voltaire is famous for his satirical novel Candide, tragic plays Zaire, Nanine, Mahomet, historical works Essay on the Customs and the Spirit of the Nations, The age of Louise XIV and philosophical compilation Micromegas and Plato’s Dream. He showed his literary talents in diverse fields. An alumni of Jesuit Secondary School (Paris), Voltaire received his classical education at College Louis le Grand, where he started his career as an author. At odds with the French authorities due to his political publication “Letters on the English”, he had to flee to safer pastures. He angered both the government and the church for which, he spent fifteen years in exile and was twice imprisoned. Despite these hardships, Voltaire acquired a unique approach towards arts and social history by tracing the progression of ancient and modern world civilizations. While at Prussia, he served Frederick the Great’s court. Paris witnessed his homecoming in 1778 for his contemporary thinking. His encyclopedic dictionary ‘Dictionnaire Philosophique’ rejected the Roman Catholic Church and embraced Enlightenment’s progressive ideals, for which, he’s appreciated all over the world. Voltaire’s life taught us a valuable lesson on condemning baseless practices and thinking out of the box. Voltaire's intelligence and wit is still commended by many, which makes him one of the greatest French writers and philosophers. He was a prolific writer and attracted controversies due to his thoughts and views about social reforms. His thoughts and words were so iconic and became very famous quotes. We have excerpted Voltaire’s greatest quotes from his work, thoughts and general life observations. Presenting a collection of quotes by Voltaire, one of the greatest philosophers and thinkers.
I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: Oh Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it."
(Letter to Étienne Noël Damilaville, May 16, 1767)
Despite the enormous quantity of books, how few people read! And if one reads profitably, one would realize how much stupid stuff the vulgar herd is content to swallow every day.
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.
The human brain is a complex organ with the wonderful power of enabling man to find reasons for continuing to believe whatever it is that he wants to believe.
