Voltaire, pseud. de Fran�ois-Marie Arouet
France
21 Nov 1694 // 30 May 1778
Philosopher / Writer / Historian
21 Nov 1694 // 30 May 1778
Philosopher / Writer / Historian
Quotes
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The instruction we find in books is like fire. We fetch it from our neighbours, kindle it at home, communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all
The infinitely little have a pride infinitely great
The best way to be boring is to leave nothing out
Perfection is attained by slow degrees; it requires the hand of time
Paradise was made for tender hearts; hell, for loveless hearts
Originality is nothing by judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another
Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes
One great use of words is to hide our thoughts
Nothing can be more contrary to religion and the clergy than reason and common sense
No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays
Essays