Voltaire Quotes – 41 Inspirational Sayings From The French Philosopher

Looking for inspirational Voltaire quotes? Then you've come to the right place! Voltaire, whose real name was François-Marie Arouet, was considered a rebellious thinker and champion of reason and against religious fanaticism. Voltaire is one of the most widely read and influential authors of the Enlightenment.

Here I would like to give you his most valuable wisdom, sayings and quotes. Let's go!

My please: Keep in mind that many of Voltaire's quotes have been translated. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them and feel free to leave a corrective comment. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!

41 Valuable Sayings And Quotes By Voltaire

François-Marie Arouet was a notorious critic of the abuses of absolutism and the monopoly of the Catholic Church. This is another reason why he always lived dangerously with his opinion in 18th century France. But through his rebuke, the eventually became one of the decisive Pioneer of the French Revolution. Use the following quotes and sayings by Voltaire, for example, as constant inspiration for love, enlightenment, freedom, happiness and health.

Voltaire Quotes 1 - 10

1. "Time heals all wounds."
2. "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."
3. "Prejudice is the reason of fools."
4. "The secret of being boring is to say everything."
5. "Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities."
6. "He who restraints his desires is always rich."
7. "Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do."
8. "I have chosen to be happy because it is good for my health."
9. "One day everything will be well, that is our hope. Everything’s fine today, that is our illusion."
10. "What is tolerance? It is humanity in general. We are all made of weaknesses and faults; therefore let it be a law of nature that we forgive each other our follies."

Tip: I have also given you a Collection of sayings about tolerance compiled. Feel free to look in there as well!

Voltaire Quotes 11 - 20

11. "God is a comedian playing to an audience that is too afraid to laugh."
12. "Habit, custom and tradition are stronger than truth."
13. "Faith consists in believing what reason cannot."
14. "Everyone is just trying to get ahead in the world in their own way."
15. "This self-love is the instrument of our preservation."
16. "Wherever my travels may lead, paradise is where I am."
17. "If you want to know who rules over you, just look for who you are not allowed to criticize."
18. "Change your pleasures, but never your friends."
19. "All people are smart - some before, others after."
20. "It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong."

Voltaire Quotes 21 - 30

21. "Reading nurtures the soul, and an enlightened friend brings it solace."
22. „Nichts ist gefährlicher in der Welt als Größe.“
23. "Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause."
24. "It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one."
25. "Men will always be mad, and those who think they can cure them are the maddest of all."
26. "A long dispute means both parties are wrong."
27. "The infinitely small have a pride infinitely great."
28. "Dare to think for yourself."
29. "All is for the best in the best of possible worlds."
30. "It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."

Voltaire Quotes 31 - 41

31. "I know many books which have bored their readers, but I know of none which has done real evil."
32. "The heart has its own reasons that reason can’t understand."
33. "Love truth, but pardon error."
34. "Man is born without principles, but with the ability to absorb them all."
35. "Destiny will have its reasons."
36. "My Lord, I do not share your opinion, but I would stake my life on allowing you to express it."
37. "Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world."
38. "‎Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats."
39. "Nothing is more difficult than fighting a myth."
40. "Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too."
41. "The more a man knows, the less he talks."

Can you think of any other Voltaire quotes that should definitely be included here? Then I look forward to your comment!

Who was Voltaire?

Voltaire (civil name: François-Marie Arouet) was a French philosopher and author who lived in the 18th century and is considered one of the most famous and widely read authors of the Enlightenment period.

What did Voltaire stand for?

Voltaire is considered one of the most important pioneers of the French Revolution - especially because he criticized the abuses of absolutism and the ideological monopoly of the Catholic Church. He advocated the equality of all citizens before the law and, in his role as an enlightener, promoted above all reason and the dismantling of prejudices, arbitrary rule and superstition.

Which works by Voltaire should you read?

Voltaire wrote more than 750 works in his lifetime and became widely known throughout Europe, especially for his wit and sarcasm, with which he directed himself against social ills and personal opponents. Especially the works "Fanaticism or Mohammed" (1741), "Philosophical Pocket Dictionary" (1764), "The Age of Louis XIV" (1766), "Candide or Optimism" (1759), "L'ingénu" (1767) or also "The Princess of Babylon" (1768) should be read.

Using Voltaire's most valuable wisdom as a constant source of inspiration

Not without reason Voltaire is one of the most important philosophers and writers in history. I hope that I could carry you away with this list of his most important quotes.

Finally, I would like to recommend a few more articles that fit Voltaire's values and can help you personally:

• Good deeds in everyday life
• Living Minimalist - How it Works
• Habits of millionaires that should be copied
• Why it is important to read books

You have questions or more exciting quotes from Voltaire? Then, as always, feel free to write me a comment!

Stay Inspired,

PS.: In the Quotes blog you will find hundreds of other exciting words of wisdom and sayings. For example, look now directly at the best Habits Quotes an.