Voltaire Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Voltaire quotes, Voltaire sayings, and Voltaire proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

It is not inequality which is the real misfortune, it is dependence. Voltaire
Pleasure is the object, duty and the goal of all rational creatures. Voltaire
Doctrine of reincarnation is neither absurd nor useless. It is not more surprising to be born twice than once. Voltaire
Originality is nothing but judicious plagiarism. Voltaire
Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one. Voltaire
In France every man is either an anvil or a hammer; he is a beater or must be beaten. Voltaire
The husband who decides to surprise his wife is often very much surprised himself. Voltaire
Almost all life depends on probabilities. Voltaire
Titles are of no value to posterity; the name of a man who has achieved great deeds imposes more respect than any or all epithets. Voltaire
The post is the grand connecting link of all transactions, of all negotiations. Those who are absent, by its means become present; it is the consolation of life. Voltaire
One should always aim at being interesting, rather than exact. Voltaire
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. Voltaire
The great consolation in life is to say what one thinks. Voltaire
Exaggeration, the inseparable companion of greatness. Voltaire
The opportunity for doing mischief is found a hundred times a day, and of doing good once in a year. Voltaire
Shun idleness. It is a rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals. Voltaire
All pleasantry should be short; and it might even be as well were the serious short also. Voltaire
Woe to the makers of literal translations, who by rendering every word weaken the meaning! It is indeed by so doing that we can say the letter kills and the spirit gives life. Voltaire
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities. Voltaire
All is for the best in the best of all possible ways. Voltaire
What a heavy burden is a name that has become too famous. Voltaire
The public is a ferocious beast; one must either chain it or flee from it. Voltaire
I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: Oh Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it. Voltaire
Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one. Voltaire
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. Voltaire
All men have equal rights to liberty, to their property, and to the protection of the laws. Voltaire
Will is wish, and liberty is power. Voltaire
Superstition sets the whole world in flames, but philosophy douses them. Voltaire
Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy the mad daughter of a wise mother. Voltaire
Ideas are like beards; men do not have them until they grow up. Voltaire