20 Voltaire Quotes to Improve your Rational Thinking
François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, is considered one of France's greatest writers from the Age of Enlightenment period.
Voltaire was a man of reason, a deist who loathed fanaticism, superstition, idolatry and mostly the fact that men are capable of killing each other to defend a religious doctrine that they scarcely understand.
His attitude toward religion and authorities was not well received in France and as a result, he was twice sentenced to prison and once to temporary exile to England.
Voltaire’s best-known work is Candide. The satirical novella of the human condition published in 1759, was a best-seller from the moment it appeared and was translated into every possible language.
Voltaire said of himself that he “wrote to act” and his greatest desire as a philosopher was to change people’s way of thinking and behaving. He strongly believed in reason, tolerance, freedom of speech and a free and liberal society.
Here are 20 Voltaire quotes that create a lasting impression.
It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.
Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too.
Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
The mirror is a worthless invention. The only way to truly see yourself is in the reflection of someone else's eyes.
Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.
Common sense is not so common.
It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.
If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.
Let us cultivate our garden.
Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well-trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing a new road.
The more often a stupidity is repeated, the more it gets the appearance of wisdom.
Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.
Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.
Doubt is an uncomfortable condition, but certainty is a ridiculous one.
Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.
Don't think money does everything or you are going to end up doing everything for money.
It is clear that the individual who persecutes a man, his brother, because he is not of the same opinion, is a monster.
The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.
May God defend me from my friends: I can defend myself from my enemies.
Men are equal; it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.