Yep, a post devoted to some quotes from the man who said “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” and was also the most suppressed author of the 18th century. In his lifetime, he was arrested for his writing, many of his books were banned and some were burned.
Voltaire’s death hasn’t made him less controversial: In 1929, Boston authorities seized copies of Candide on their way to Harvard and the Post Office, in 1944, would not allow a mail-order catalog to list a copy. A few years ago, a play about Mohammed was banned in Geneva in response to Muslim protests.
Without further ado, the quotes:
“God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh.”
“All sects are different, because they come from men; morality is everywhere the same, because it comes from God.”
“Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
“Use, do not abuse; neither abstinence nor excess ever renders man happy.”
“The safest course is to do nothing against one’s conscience. With this secret, we can enjoy life and have no fear from death.”
“Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.”
“Every man is guilty of all the good he didn’t do.”
And for pure snark: “All I have asked of God is that he make my enemies ridiculous—and behold, he has granted my wish.”
