The Philosophy of Voltaire, in 10 Quotes
Voltaire is often quoted as saying, “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” However, this quote isn’t his at all; it was actually written by biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall (under the pseudonym S.G. Tallentyre). That said, it’s no wonder it’s so often misattributed to him: The quote perfectly encapsulates the French philosopher’s revolutionary beliefs regarding freedom of thought and speech.
Born François-Marie Arouet in Paris in 1694, Voltaire adopted his pen name in 1718. While the exact reason for the change is unclear, it’s believed to have been at least partially borne from his desire to carve out an identity separate from his family and their more traditional ideals.
Throughout his life, Voltaire used his undeniable wit to critique authority and intolerance and to advocate for civil liberties and human rights. His body of work, including the famous satirical novel Candide, made him one of the most influential figures of the Enlightenment era and a beacon of reason in the years leading up to the French Revolution.
Voltaire didn’t shy away from criticizing those in power — not even religious institutions and the government were safe from his condemnation, which resulted in his imprisonment and exile. His legacy of promoting intellectual freedom and challenging oppressive systems has had a lasting impact on modern thought, and his visionary ideals remain relevant and influential today.
Here are 10 quotes from Voltaire that capture his enduring, progressive thoughts and ideas.
Voltaire valued truth and reason, while also acknowledging that humans are subject to fallibility. This quote reflects his commitment to intellectual honesty and the pursuit of knowledge, and it aligns with his broader ideals of cultivating a just society through free speech, tolerance, and individual liberty.
One of the most important and influential facets of Voltaire’s legacy is the way he challenged established beliefs and authorities. This quote underlines his advocacy for free speech, tolerance, and individual rights — even in the faces of powerful figures — and emphasizes the importance of standing up for truth and justice despite the potential consequences.
Words and ideas can wield considerable power, especially in certain situations or when shared by certain people. “Truths” are not one-size-fits-all: Something that applies to one person or society may not apply to another. Voltaire knew this and was mindful of the ways in which context can affect our words and their impact.
Voltaire warned against blindly accepting beliefs that can lead to harm. This quote highlights his work’s emphasis on the ability to think critically for oneself and his skepticism toward authority figures and other institutions who might misuse their power and take advantage of the gullible.
Reason and evidence were major themes in Voltaire’s work, as was the necessity for justice and dignity for all people. He encouraged free thought and rational examination before making any final determinations, and here he expresses the potential detriment of preconceived or underdeveloped opinions.
Common sense is not as, well, common as it should be. Voltaire valued rational thinking and practical wisdom, but noted that they were often lacking in society. He encouraged others to employ the same kind of logical and pragmatic approach to life as he did.
Voltaire believed in individual responsibility and the need to take positive action. Individual agency was a cornerstone of his work, and in this quote, he speaks to the importance of not remaining passive, especially in the face of injustice or suffering. Actions speak louder than words, and if we do not take action for the good of others, we allow their distress to continue.
Voltaire’s sense of humor is on full display in this quote. He famously used humor to expose hypocrisy and injustice — and, of course, to mock the establishment. This quip demonstrates his underlying philosophy of defending one’s freedom of expression and pushing back against oppressive systems, even when there is risk involved. It also posits that sometimes the best defense against an adversary isn’t violence, but humor.
Opinions — especially ones formed without critical thought — can be destructive. Voltaire saw these unfounded opinions as a form of prejudice and fought against the division and intolerance these perspectives could induce, especially when distributed by authority figures. He believed the creation of a more tolerant world would require open dialogue and concerted efforts to think more critically.
Voltaire didn’t see social or economic inequality as society’s biggest problems; he believed the real issue to be the systemic cycles that cause inequality and the resultant dependence on people or programs that often fall short. He envisioned a society free from unjust power hierarchies, in which people could enjoy autonomy and dignity free from undue control. 
