Voltaire did not always agree with other philosophers. He had his own distinct beliefs and ideas, often challenging and critiquing the works of others, including prominent figures like Rousseau and Leibniz. Voltaire's independent thinking and sharp wit set him apart in the Enlightenment era.
VoltaireVoltaire, Wrong Evelyn Beatrice Hall wrote this quote In her biography on Voltaire
Voltaire did not actually say that famous quote. It was written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall in her 1906 biography of Voltaire, summarizing his beliefs on free speech and tolerance. The quote encapsulates Voltaire's advocacy for freedom of expression and open debate.
French philosopher Voltaire.
Voltaire said it in french and Payne translated it :)
Voltaire's famous quote from the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen is: "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
Most people credit Voltaire for the quote 'I don't agree with you but I will fight for your right to say it'. This, however, can not be found in his work.
I think Democritus first posited the existence of atoms.
Voltaire shared a belief in the importance of individual freedoms and liberties, which aligns with the democratic ideal of the United States. He championed freedom of speech, religion, and thought, values that are foundational to American democracy. Additionally, both Voltaire and the US democratic ideal emphasize the importance of critical thinking, reason, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Aristotle, Libinez and Thales are the greatest philosophers of all time.
Voltaire is expressing the essence of freedom of speech. If people are allowed to speak freely, they must be allowed to say not just those things that we agree with or approve of, but also to say things that we disagree with or disapprove of. Otherwise, we would be putting ourselves in the position of having a veto over what other people are allowed to say, and that is not free speech. We would not like other people to tell us what we may or may not say, and therefore, we must be equally tolerant of others.
The two were close friends for many years but had a rocky and complex relationship in which each would try to trick or manipulate the other.Frederick first wrote Voltaire (who was nearly 20 years older) a fan-letter in his early twenties, and the two began long-term correspondence ever since. The correspondence was very passionate, intellectual and even flirtatious. Voltaire was happy that there was finally a king who was also a philosopher, and Frederick idolized all things French, particularly Voltaire. He would often send Voltaire his own writings in French for Voltaire to correct.Later on when Frederick became King of Prussia, Voltaire was invited to Frederick's palace in Potsdam where many philosophers met and spoke freely about religion, politics and other issues. There was apparently a lot of flirtation going on as well, as Frederick was openly gay. Voltaire may have been bisexual, and evidence such as love letters between Voltaire and Frederick suggest the two may have been lovers at one point. Voltaire's mistress was jealous of Frederick as other philosophers staying in Potsdam were jealous of Voltaire, but we will never know.As for tricking each other, Voltaire went to Potsdam as a spy for the French, and Frederick tried to keep Voltaire trapped in Prussia (and stay as an intellectual amusement in his palace) by sending his gossip about the Bishop of Mirepoix to the Bishop himself and get him banned from returning to Paris. The plan failed and Voltaire was furious. Another thing that angered Voltaire was Frederick's waging war, because he was supposed to be an "enlightened monarch". Frederick, on the other hand, thought Voltaire a scoundrel for other reasons, and Voltaire eventually left Potsdam for good. Years later though, they picked up a relatively friendly correspondence again.
Voltaire