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Great Ideas Miracles and Idolatry
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.
Voltaire's short, radical and iconoclastic essays on philosophical ideas from angels to idolatry, miracles to wickedness, make wry observations about human beliefs, and mock hypocrisy and extravagant piety - his call to his fellow men to act with reason and see through the lies they are fed by their leaders has provided inspiration to freethinkers everywhere.
Voltaire's short, radical and iconoclastic essays on philosophical ideas from angels to idolatry, miracles to wickedness, make wry observations about human beliefs, and mock hypocrisy and extravagant piety - his call to his fellow men to act with reason and see through the lies they are fed by their leaders has provided inspiration to freethinkers everywhere.
128 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1764
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About the author
Voltaire
9,429 books4,945 followersComplete works (1880) : https://archive.org/details/oeuvresco...
In 1694, Age of Enlightenment leader Francois-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, was born in Paris. Jesuit-educated, he began writing clever verses by the age of 12. He launched a lifelong, successful playwriting career in 1718, interrupted by imprisonment in the Bastille. Upon a second imprisonment, in which Francois adopted the pen name Voltaire, he was released after agreeing to move to London. There he wrote Lettres philosophiques (1733), which galvanized French reform. The book also satirized the religious teachings of Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal, including Pascal's famed "wager" on God. Voltaire wrote: "The interest I have in believing a thing is not a proof of the existence of that thing." Voltaire's French publisher was sent to the Bastille and Voltaire had to escape from Paris again, as judges sentenced the book to be "torn and burned in the Palace." Voltaire spent a calm 16 years with his deistic mistress, Madame du Chatelet, in Lorraine. He met the 27 year old married mother when he was 39. In his memoirs, he wrote: "I found, in 1733, a young woman who thought as I did, and decided to spend several years in the country, cultivating her mind." He dedicated Traite de metaphysique to her. In it the Deist candidly rejected immortality and questioned belief in God. It was not published until the 1780s. Voltaire continued writing amusing but meaty philosophical plays and histories. After the earthquake that leveled Lisbon in 1755, in which 15,000 people perished and another 15,000 were wounded, Voltaire wrote Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne (Poem on the Lisbon Disaster): "But how conceive a God supremely good/ Who heaps his favours on the sons he loves,/ Yet scatters evil with as large a hand?"
Voltaire purchased a chateau in Geneva, where, among other works, he wrote Candide (1759). To avoid Calvinist persecution, Voltaire moved across the border to Ferney, where the wealthy writer lived for 18 years until his death. Voltaire began to openly challenge Christianity, calling it "the infamous thing." He wrote Frederick the Great: "Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd, and bloody religion that has ever infected the world." Voltaire ended every letter to friends with "Ecrasez l'infame" (crush the infamy — the Christian religion). His pamphlet, The Sermon on the Fifty (1762) went after transubstantiation, miracles, biblical contradictions, the Jewish religion, and the Christian God. Voltaire wrote that a true god "surely cannot have been born of a girl, nor died on the gibbet, nor be eaten in a piece of dough," or inspired "books, filled with contradictions, madness, and horror." He also published excerpts of Testament of the Abbe Meslier, by an atheist priest, in Holland, which advanced the Enlightenment. Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary was published in 1764 without his name. Although the first edition immediately sold out, Geneva officials, followed by Dutch and Parisian, had the books burned. It was published in 1769 as two large volumes. Voltaire campaigned fiercely against civil atrocities in the name of religion, writing pamphlets and commentaries about the barbaric execution of a Huguenot trader, who was first broken at the wheel, then burned at the stake, in 1762. Voltaire's campaign for justice and restitution ended with a posthumous retrial in 1765, during which 40 Parisian judges declared the defendant innocent. Voltaire urgently tried to save the life of Chevalier de la Barre, a 19 year old sentenced to death for blasphemy for failing to remove his hat during a religious procession. In 1766, Chevalier was beheaded after being tortured, then his body was burned, along with a copy of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary. Voltaire's statue at the Pantheon was melted down during Nazi occupation. D. 1778.
Voltaire (1694-1778), pseudónimo de François-
In 1694, Age of Enlightenment leader Francois-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, was born in Paris. Jesuit-educated, he began writing clever verses by the age of 12. He launched a lifelong, successful playwriting career in 1718, interrupted by imprisonment in the Bastille. Upon a second imprisonment, in which Francois adopted the pen name Voltaire, he was released after agreeing to move to London. There he wrote Lettres philosophiques (1733), which galvanized French reform. The book also satirized the religious teachings of Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal, including Pascal's famed "wager" on God. Voltaire wrote: "The interest I have in believing a thing is not a proof of the existence of that thing." Voltaire's French publisher was sent to the Bastille and Voltaire had to escape from Paris again, as judges sentenced the book to be "torn and burned in the Palace." Voltaire spent a calm 16 years with his deistic mistress, Madame du Chatelet, in Lorraine. He met the 27 year old married mother when he was 39. In his memoirs, he wrote: "I found, in 1733, a young woman who thought as I did, and decided to spend several years in the country, cultivating her mind." He dedicated Traite de metaphysique to her. In it the Deist candidly rejected immortality and questioned belief in God. It was not published until the 1780s. Voltaire continued writing amusing but meaty philosophical plays and histories. After the earthquake that leveled Lisbon in 1755, in which 15,000 people perished and another 15,000 were wounded, Voltaire wrote Poème sur le désastre de Lisbonne (Poem on the Lisbon Disaster): "But how conceive a God supremely good/ Who heaps his favours on the sons he loves,/ Yet scatters evil with as large a hand?"
Voltaire purchased a chateau in Geneva, where, among other works, he wrote Candide (1759). To avoid Calvinist persecution, Voltaire moved across the border to Ferney, where the wealthy writer lived for 18 years until his death. Voltaire began to openly challenge Christianity, calling it "the infamous thing." He wrote Frederick the Great: "Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd, and bloody religion that has ever infected the world." Voltaire ended every letter to friends with "Ecrasez l'infame" (crush the infamy — the Christian religion). His pamphlet, The Sermon on the Fifty (1762) went after transubstantiation, miracles, biblical contradictions, the Jewish religion, and the Christian God. Voltaire wrote that a true god "surely cannot have been born of a girl, nor died on the gibbet, nor be eaten in a piece of dough," or inspired "books, filled with contradictions, madness, and horror." He also published excerpts of Testament of the Abbe Meslier, by an atheist priest, in Holland, which advanced the Enlightenment. Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary was published in 1764 without his name. Although the first edition immediately sold out, Geneva officials, followed by Dutch and Parisian, had the books burned. It was published in 1769 as two large volumes. Voltaire campaigned fiercely against civil atrocities in the name of religion, writing pamphlets and commentaries about the barbaric execution of a Huguenot trader, who was first broken at the wheel, then burned at the stake, in 1762. Voltaire's campaign for justice and restitution ended with a posthumous retrial in 1765, during which 40 Parisian judges declared the defendant innocent. Voltaire urgently tried to save the life of Chevalier de la Barre, a 19 year old sentenced to death for blasphemy for failing to remove his hat during a religious procession. In 1766, Chevalier was beheaded after being tortured, then his body was burned, along with a copy of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary. Voltaire's statue at the Pantheon was melted down during Nazi occupation. D. 1778.
Voltaire (1694-1778), pseudónimo de François-
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 29, 2020
I really enjoyed Voltaire’s miracles and idolatry. I have always felt so intimidated by reading philosophy always seems so dense and honestly a bit boring. This book though managed to correct me in a way that I didn’t think it would be able to. It was addictive I wound up reading five essays a day. My favourite essays were probably idolatry and fatherland. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to dip into philosophy as it is an easy way to start with over 20 short three page long essays. UGH it’s just amazing.
December 31, 2015
Lots of really interesting discussions about religious topics. I quite enjoyed his over view and sacastic response to baptism.
"So butcher them [recently baptized children] as quickly as possible to assure them paradise. This conclusion is so logical that there existed a devout sect who went around poisoning or killing all newly baptized infants. These devotees reasoned perfectly."
"So butcher them [recently baptized children] as quickly as possible to assure them paradise. This conclusion is so logical that there existed a devout sect who went around poisoning or killing all newly baptized infants. These devotees reasoned perfectly."
October 1, 2021
به نظز ولتر خدا و طبیعت اصول زندگی اند و زندگی بدون خدا به هیچ دردی نمیخورد. وی در این باره میگوید:اگر خدا وجود نداشته باشد باید آنرا خلق کنیم!
-اپیکوریها بر این باور بودند که خداوند در اعمال انسانی دخالت نمیکند. و در نهایت به این باور رسیدند که خدایی وجود ندارد.ایشان حتم داشتند که روح یک جوهر نیست بلکه یک قوه ی ذهنی است که بهمراه جسم زاییده و با آن نیز از بین خواهد رفت. از این رو ایشان به هیچ محدودیتی جز شرافت و اخلاقیات تن درنمیدادند
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-اپیکوریها بر این باور بودند که خداوند در اعمال انسانی دخالت نمیکند. و در نهایت به این باور رسیدند که خدایی وجود ندارد.ایشان حتم داشتند که روح یک جوهر نیست بلکه یک قوه ی ذهنی است که بهمراه جسم زاییده و با آن نیز از بین خواهد رفت. از این رو ایشان به هیچ محدودیتی جز شرافت و اخلاقیات تن درنمیدادند
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July 16, 2022
Voltaire's essays are remarkably witty and funny. So witty and funny in fact, that one is almost obligated to forgive the inaccuracies and misrepresentations littered throughout this small little book.
March 14, 2020
به باور خداانگاران بزرگترین هدیه ای که خدا به انسان داده است، دین نیست، بلکه قدرت استنتاج است.
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اگر خدا وجود نداشته باشد، باید آن را خلق کنیم.
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به چه دلیل جامعه کفار به نظر غیرممکن می آید؟
زیرا فرض بر این است که افراد بی قید و بند نمیتوانند در کنار یکدیگر زندگی نمایند؛ زیرا قانون در برابر جرایم پنهان در مانده است؛ زیرا به یک خداوند سخت گیر نیاز دارد که فرد بدبختی که از عدالت انسانی گریخته است را در این دنیا یا دنیای دیگر مجازات نماید.
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بت پرستی بسیار خطرناک تر از الحاد است.
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یک کودک نه ملحد است و نه خدا پرست، او هیچ کدام نیست.
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افرادی که از مکیدن خون ما فربه شده اند، فریاد می زنند"یقین داشته باشید که ماده خر سخن می گفت؛ باور کنید که یک ماهی مردی را بلعید و سه روز بعد او را زنده و سالم در ساحل رها نمود؛ یقین داشته باشید خداوند عالم به یکی از انبیای یهود (حوضع) دستور داد که اسبی را بخرد و همان روز دو کره او را به دنیا آورد."اینها بخشی از سخنان این خدایان حقیقت و اخلاص است که هر روزه بر سر مردم بانگ می زنند و ایشان را به باور مسائلی که آشکارا منفور و به لحاظ عقلی غیر قابل باور هستند، وادار می نمایند: در غیر این صورت خداوند رحمان شما را در آتش جهنم خواهد سوزاند، آن هم نه برای میلیون ها یا میلیاردها سال، بلکه برای ابد و مهم نیست که جسمی برایتان باقی مانده باشد یا نمانده باشد.
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افرادی که همیشه تحت تأثیر عواطفشان قرار دارند، تصورشان بر این است که آن چه بدن را می شوید قادر است روح را نیز از آلودگی تطهیر نماید.
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اکنون تمام کودکان غسل تعمید داده می شوند زیرا بر مبنای فرضیه مهملی، تمام ایشان مجرم و عاصی محسوب می شوند، تمام ایشان[بواسطه غسل] تا رسیدن به سن بلوغ عقلانی و ارتکاب گناه، محفوظ می شوند.پس بهتر است ایشان را در اولین فرصت [پس از غسل] بکشید تا از رفتن ایشان به بهشت یقین حاصل نماییم.این نتیجهگیری چنان منطقی است که فرقه ای دینی ایجاد شده که قصدشان مسموم کردن یا کشتن تمام کودکانی است که به تازگی غسل تعمید گرفته اند؛استدلال پیروان این فرقه بی عیب و نقص است"ما بزرگترین لطف را در حق این کودکان معصوم انجام میدهیم؛ ما از بدبختی و آلوده شدن ایشان در این حیات جلوگیری میکنیم، و به ایشان حیاتی جاودان می بخشیم."
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ملتی متمدن خوانده می شود که دشمن مغلوبش را قتل عام نکند، زیرا اگر ما مجاز بودیم که همسایگان خود را بخوریم، بهتر بود که اراذل هم وطن خود را می خوردیم که باعث سعادت اجتماعی نیز می شد.
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ملت های متمدن همیشه متمدن نبوده اند.
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طبیعت همیشه باز می گردد حتی اگر شما او را با چنگالی بیرون انداخته باشید.
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در برخی سرزمین ها مقرر شده است که شهروندان حق خروج از کشوری که تصادفا در آن به دنیا آمده اند را ندارند.این قانون آشکارا به این معناست کشور چنان بد است و چنان بد اداره میشود که میترسیم با خروج یک نفر، سایرین نیز اینجا را ترک کنند.کار بهتری می توان کرد. چنان کنید که تمام شهروندان تان آرزوی ماندن در کشورشان را داشته باشند و بیگانگان نیز جذب شما شوند.
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هر انسانی از این حق برخوردار است که در اعماق وجودش خودش را کاملا برابر با دیگران بداند.
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هرچقدر وطن بزرگتر باشد، محبت ما نسبت به آن کمتر می شود زیرا محبت تقسیم شده، ضعیف تر است.
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گفته شده است که برای تبدیل شدن به یک وطن پرست خوب می بایست دشمن باقی بشریت بود.
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یک بار تنه درخت انجیری داشتم؛ هنگامی که آن را به دست درودگر دادم، مردد مانده بود که برایم یک خدا بسازد یا یک میز، در نهایت هم تصمیم گرفت که برایم یک خدا بسازد.
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احمق ها بهتر از هر کس دیگری فرمانبرداری می نمایند.
__________________________________________
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اگر خدا وجود نداشته باشد، باید آن را خلق کنیم.
.
.
.
به چه دلیل جامعه کفار به نظر غیرممکن می آید؟
زیرا فرض بر این است که افراد بی قید و بند نمیتوانند در کنار یکدیگر زندگی نمایند؛ زیرا قانون در برابر جرایم پنهان در مانده است؛ زیرا به یک خداوند سخت گیر نیاز دارد که فرد بدبختی که از عدالت انسانی گریخته است را در این دنیا یا دنیای دیگر مجازات نماید.
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.
.
بت پرستی بسیار خطرناک تر از الحاد است.
.
.
.
یک کودک نه ملحد است و نه خدا پرست، او هیچ کدام نیست.
.
.
.
افرادی که از مکیدن خون ما فربه شده اند، فریاد می زنند"یقین داشته باشید که ماده خر سخن می گفت؛ باور کنید که یک ماهی مردی را بلعید و سه روز بعد او را زنده و سالم در ساحل رها نمود؛ یقین داشته باشید خداوند عالم به یکی از انبیای یهود (حوضع) دستور داد که اسبی را بخرد و همان روز دو کره او را به دنیا آورد."اینها بخشی از سخنان این خدایان حقیقت و اخلاص است که هر روزه بر سر مردم بانگ می زنند و ایشان را به باور مسائلی که آشکارا منفور و به لحاظ عقلی غیر قابل باور هستند، وادار می نمایند: در غیر این صورت خداوند رحمان شما را در آتش جهنم خواهد سوزاند، آن هم نه برای میلیون ها یا میلیاردها سال، بلکه برای ابد و مهم نیست که جسمی برایتان باقی مانده باشد یا نمانده باشد.
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افرادی که همیشه تحت تأثیر عواطفشان قرار دارند، تصورشان بر این است که آن چه بدن را می شوید قادر است روح را نیز از آلودگی تطهیر نماید.
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اکنون تمام کودکان غسل تعمید داده می شوند زیرا بر مبنای فرضیه مهملی، تمام ایشان مجرم و عاصی محسوب می شوند، تمام ایشان[بواسطه غسل] تا رسیدن به سن بلوغ عقلانی و ارتکاب گناه، محفوظ می شوند.پس بهتر است ایشان را در اولین فرصت [پس از غسل] بکشید تا از رفتن ایشان به بهشت یقین حاصل نماییم.این نتیجهگیری چنان منطقی است که فرقه ای دینی ایجاد شده که قصدشان مسموم کردن یا کشتن تمام کودکانی است که به تازگی غسل تعمید گرفته اند؛استدلال پیروان این فرقه بی عیب و نقص است"ما بزرگترین لطف را در حق این کودکان معصوم انجام میدهیم؛ ما از بدبختی و آلوده شدن ایشان در این حیات جلوگیری میکنیم، و به ایشان حیاتی جاودان می بخشیم."
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ملتی متمدن خوانده می شود که دشمن مغلوبش را قتل عام نکند، زیرا اگر ما مجاز بودیم که همسایگان خود را بخوریم، بهتر بود که اراذل هم وطن خود را می خوردیم که باعث سعادت اجتماعی نیز می شد.
.
.
.
ملت های متمدن همیشه متمدن نبوده اند.
.
.
.
طبیعت همیشه باز می گردد حتی اگر شما او را با چنگالی بیرون انداخته باشید.
.
.
.
در برخی سرزمین ها مقرر شده است که شهروندان حق خروج از کشوری که تصادفا در آن به دنیا آمده اند را ندارند.این قانون آشکارا به این معناست کشور چنان بد است و چنان بد اداره میشود که میترسیم با خروج یک نفر، سایرین نیز اینجا را ترک کنند.کار بهتری می توان کرد. چنان کنید که تمام شهروندان تان آرزوی ماندن در کشورشان را داشته باشند و بیگانگان نیز جذب شما شوند.
.
.
.
هر انسانی از این حق برخوردار است که در اعماق وجودش خودش را کاملا برابر با دیگران بداند.
.
.
.
هرچقدر وطن بزرگتر باشد، محبت ما نسبت به آن کمتر می شود زیرا محبت تقسیم شده، ضعیف تر است.
.
.
.
گفته شده است که برای تبدیل شدن به یک وطن پرست خوب می بایست دشمن باقی بشریت بود.
.
.
.
یک بار تنه درخت انجیری داشتم؛ هنگامی که آن را به دست درودگر دادم، مردد مانده بود که برایم یک خدا بسازد یا یک میز، در نهایت هم تصمیم گرفت که برایم یک خدا بسازد.
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احمق ها بهتر از هر کس دیگری فرمانبرداری می نمایند.
__________________________________________
October 1, 2015
Food for thought.
This book is some proper whole-grain food for thought. For it will fill your head and leave you feeling energetic and so full of thoughts. Be it bad or good, that is up to the reader.
But Voltaire was a man that could provoke a thought out of a stone. So this book is something most should read, if only to learn to question things.
I richly enjoyed this book. It took me as long as it did to finish it, simply because i loved reading it outside under the warmth of the sun. And this is a book that should be enjoyed.
This book is some proper whole-grain food for thought. For it will fill your head and leave you feeling energetic and so full of thoughts. Be it bad or good, that is up to the reader.
But Voltaire was a man that could provoke a thought out of a stone. So this book is something most should read, if only to learn to question things.
I richly enjoyed this book. It took me as long as it did to finish it, simply because i loved reading it outside under the warmth of the sun. And this is a book that should be enjoyed.
November 1, 2018
This collection of essays examine religious and philosophical ideas from the perspective of a rational man who doesn't accept: "Because I say so" as a clinching argument. The tone varies: sometimes patiently picking apart an argument, sometimes highlighting absurdity by arguing in its favour, and once every so often just angrily demolishing accepted follies. Very readable and very thought-provoking.
July 29, 2014
I am ashamed to say that this is my first direct encounter with Voltaire and I can see now what all the fuss is about. It's marvellous; he has such a wicked wit. Here he is commenting on an emperor who was responsible for many massacres and was, for penance, forbidden to attend mass: "It must be admitted that ones suffers horribly when one does not go to mass..."
January 12, 2018
This is an enjoyable series of essays by Voltaire on a range of subjects, but with an emphasis on morality and religion. The wit is still enough to draw a guffaw, even when some of the contemporary or historical details are unfamiliar. And Voltaire's observations on humanity, idolatry and Christianity are as relevant today as they were in the 1700s.
July 13, 2013
A must read for those who believe in the meta-physics of life. Voltaire, through this work, strips threadbare the reality behind various concepts and schools of thought, ranging from Miracles to Emotions to Idol worship to other prominent contemporaries of his time.
February 14, 2021
I've never read anything by Voltaire before, found this book discarded on the street, and finally got round to reading it! It gets five stars automatically: I cringe a bit when I see books hundreds of years old being given one star ratings, with the review admitting a lack of enjoyment due to a lack of understanding. That's not to say I didn't thoroughly enjoy my time reading Miracles and Idolatry, but I am definitely not qualified to deduct stars at the least. I am not well read in the history of the Bible, Christianity and the Catholic church by any means so I had to skim through chapters with many obscure (to me) references on the impressions of historical figures (e.g. emperor Julian, or Peter).
Though I am sure I would agree with those chapters, based on my agreement with the other contents of which I could relate, and did at times intensely!
As someone who was indoctrinated somewhat by my evangelist Sunday school, this book, it's pithy and savage but I felt a hugely satisfying sense of clarity, in the presentation of the various ways religious conviction (via fabricated stories) has been used to control, deceive and subjugate otherwise innocent people throughout history. Despite trying, I cannot help but act as though I believe in God, and so logically I must be a Deist on some level, whether I like it or not. I'm obviously free to rationalise that however I may, and Voltaire's hands off deity is one that allows the freedom to be moral, not threatened with damnation, or guilted with stories of superhuman virtue.
Far from heavy though, the book is enlivening and full of many wild stories. Stakes were much greater back then; once a priest was put to death because they discovered a toad in his house and accused him of worshipping it. Stuff like this provides an amusing frame of reference for the ferocity of those 'cancelled' in todays culture wars.
Sometimes I couldn't believe how long ago this was written, the style has real flourish of someone who has read everything and travelled everywhere, detached at times, yet passionate, condemning, forgiving and optimistic, supremely confident. Voltaire displays utter contempt for those who for lack of virtue have attempted to abuse the trust or position and to gain undeserved power over others, and has a simple solution, in the middle of the book the chapter on, Equality, for what to do when you find yourself put in the so called waiting room? To leave.
Though I am sure I would agree with those chapters, based on my agreement with the other contents of which I could relate, and did at times intensely!
As someone who was indoctrinated somewhat by my evangelist Sunday school, this book, it's pithy and savage but I felt a hugely satisfying sense of clarity, in the presentation of the various ways religious conviction (via fabricated stories) has been used to control, deceive and subjugate otherwise innocent people throughout history. Despite trying, I cannot help but act as though I believe in God, and so logically I must be a Deist on some level, whether I like it or not. I'm obviously free to rationalise that however I may, and Voltaire's hands off deity is one that allows the freedom to be moral, not threatened with damnation, or guilted with stories of superhuman virtue.
Far from heavy though, the book is enlivening and full of many wild stories. Stakes were much greater back then; once a priest was put to death because they discovered a toad in his house and accused him of worshipping it. Stuff like this provides an amusing frame of reference for the ferocity of those 'cancelled' in todays culture wars.
Sometimes I couldn't believe how long ago this was written, the style has real flourish of someone who has read everything and travelled everywhere, detached at times, yet passionate, condemning, forgiving and optimistic, supremely confident. Voltaire displays utter contempt for those who for lack of virtue have attempted to abuse the trust or position and to gain undeserved power over others, and has a simple solution, in the middle of the book the chapter on, Equality, for what to do when you find yourself put in the so called waiting room? To leave.
May 24, 2021
A hit-and-miss collection of satirical polemics from the French philosopher. A lot get tied down in discussions of theological dogma which are less relevant today with church attendances down, and whilst a few of the short essays are gems a lot of the stuff can be skim-read. Due to the archaic nature of the writing and the often non-topical subject matter, it's sometimes hard to gauge the extent to which Voltaire is being sarcastic or sincere. Unlike Candide or Mahomet, where the very nature of the texts directs you onto clear runnels of biting cynicism, the reader is often left to find their own way in these short pieces. Much of the impact is therefore lost, which is a disappointment after the exceptional Candide and the nakedly angry Mahomet. Because of this dilution I considered giving the book a lower rating than I did, but Voltaire still fires off enough worthy salvoes to pound the shorelines of idiocy, even if he doesn't make many forays inland.
February 4, 2021
An enjoyable read - Reading this has broadened my understanding of the ideas which were beginning to emerge during the 18th century, and has given me greater insight into the mind of the most influential enlightenment writer - Voltaire.
Though to the modern reader the contents of the essays don’t appear to be particularly groundbreaking, one can appreciate that they were groundbreaking for the time - hence Voltaire’s reliance on subtlety and sarcasm, as proclaiming these ideas, such as the trinity is an innovation, was radical for the era.
I find myself disagreeing with Voltaire on many things such as his views on miracles, hell and the flood of Noah, but also agreeing with him on other things such as the illogical nature of the trinity, the innate goodness of humanity etc.
An overall well written work which explores an eclectic mix of topics.
Though to the modern reader the contents of the essays don’t appear to be particularly groundbreaking, one can appreciate that they were groundbreaking for the time - hence Voltaire’s reliance on subtlety and sarcasm, as proclaiming these ideas, such as the trinity is an innovation, was radical for the era.
I find myself disagreeing with Voltaire on many things such as his views on miracles, hell and the flood of Noah, but also agreeing with him on other things such as the illogical nature of the trinity, the innate goodness of humanity etc.
An overall well written work which explores an eclectic mix of topics.
May 24, 2022
This was a really nice selection from Voltaire.
The argumentations were very interesting. Sometimes the sarcastic language of Voltaire goes far in a way that first you are surprised to think he had superstitional beliefs, then it goes to an extreme that you realize it is just humor.
From one side the articles have very light-to-read style, from the other side there are really interesting findings and questions that will make you think.
I think the book is also beneficial because he mocks and discusses some fundamental concepts of his age that were used to reason with the world, which we are not so used to anymore.
The argumentations were very interesting. Sometimes the sarcastic language of Voltaire goes far in a way that first you are surprised to think he had superstitional beliefs, then it goes to an extreme that you realize it is just humor.
From one side the articles have very light-to-read style, from the other side there are really interesting findings and questions that will make you think.
I think the book is also beneficial because he mocks and discusses some fundamental concepts of his age that were used to reason with the world, which we are not so used to anymore.
March 11, 2021
Voltaire really hated the Roman Catholic Church and it shows.
Voltaire references a plethora of prominent religious and historical figures throughout his work; I went into Miracles and Idolatry with very little prior knowledge of most of these people.
Though I have no doubt that the majority of his references went over my head, I found his views and opinions to be thought provoking and challenging.
“Reason must not utter a single word when faith speaks” - One of many standout quotes in his work.
Voltaire references a plethora of prominent religious and historical figures throughout his work; I went into Miracles and Idolatry with very little prior knowledge of most of these people.
Though I have no doubt that the majority of his references went over my head, I found his views and opinions to be thought provoking and challenging.
“Reason must not utter a single word when faith speaks” - One of many standout quotes in his work.
July 3, 2021
به طور کلی بخوام راجب کتاب بگم،کتاب نسبتا خوبیه اما تعداد زیاد اسامی و مکان های تاریخی که مدام تکرار میشه و نتیجه گیری خاصی هم ازشون نشده ممکنه یه مقدار اذیت کننده باشه،ضمن اینکه مطالب اصلی کتاب میشه گفت در یک سوم انتهای کتاب متمرکز شده که این مسئله هم باز یه مقدار ممکنه برای کسی که تا نیمه های کتاب رو خونده و چیز جدید و خاصی دستگیرش نشده اذیت کننده باشه،ولی در کل توصیه میشه و تفکرات خوبی نسبت به خرافات مختلف مطرح شده
February 14, 2022
Education isn’t always fun but it is necessary for growth. This was not a fun read but it is fascinating.
Voltaire absorbed word of mouth, religious texts, other philosophies and history to draw conclusions or surmises on social constructs, belief systems and societal issues. This is worth reading simply as they have captured the take away parts from all of those influences available to them. It is a timesaving book.
The last couple of chapters were exceptional.
Voltaire absorbed word of mouth, religious texts, other philosophies and history to draw conclusions or surmises on social constructs, belief systems and societal issues. This is worth reading simply as they have captured the take away parts from all of those influences available to them. It is a timesaving book.
The last couple of chapters were exceptional.
June 11, 2023
Selected extracts from the Dictionnaire Philosophique. Entertaining for Voltaire's trenchant opinions and intellectual discipline, as well as some cutting wit. Also a product of its time in that his arguments are founded on comprehensive learning but there is no sense of reflection on his own judgements or biases; he excoriates the infallibility of popes but not that of his own intellect. CW: as may be expected, there is some antisemitism, including one quite staggeringly glib pronouncement!
January 13, 2020
This book comprises a collection of short essays on topics ranging from the eponymous miracles and idolatry through to enthusiasm and prejudices. Each topic is analysed through examples and critically challenged. The commentary and considerations are in places dripping with sarcasm and thinly veiled criticism (or in some cases explicit derision).
March 26, 2025
این رویه برای انسانی که حرفه ای خصوصی با دیدگاهی متواضعانه دارد بایدگفت او آزرده خواهد شد زیرا هرجا که میرود با جوی ریاست طلبانه و تحقیرآمیز مواجه میشود؛آشکارا میبیند که تعداد زیادی ارباب کهنه سواد که نه ذکاوت و نه ایمانی بیشتر از او دارند بر همه جا حکومت میکنند و گهگاه نیز خودرا خسته و بیزار در اتاق های انتظار ایشان میبیند حال این فرد چه باید بکند؟باید برود.
September 12, 2025
Extracts from Voltaire’s Enlightenment class, The Philosophical Dictionary. These entries shake off custom and assumption and replace them with reason, leavened with flourishes of wit.
Reading this brief selection is like time travel, taking the reader back to the very moment when centuries of dogma gave way to rationalism.
Reading this brief selection is like time travel, taking the reader back to the very moment when centuries of dogma gave way to rationalism.
July 23, 2025
This small book consists of excerpts from Voltaire’s Philosophical Dictionary. It’s the first time I have read Voltaire and I was impressed with his precision and sarcasm. You could read this in a day or two, if not faster.
May 27, 2017
In a world where science is in its infancy, logic and wit prevail upon Voltaire to question just about everything.
September 7, 2017
The chapters on ideas and concepts were more interesting than the ones on historic individuals. Overall a good read.
June 2, 2022
Thank you Voltaire.
July 27, 2023
Voltaire was arguably one of the wittiest critique of France and, I'd say, of Europe.
I can only imagine how (fun?) it would be to read his untranslated writings in French.
I can only imagine how (fun?) it would be to read his untranslated writings in French.
January 19, 2025
He writes like a wrecking ball. Terrific stuff.
May 14, 2025
he just loves himself yapping huh
August 9, 2011
a good read
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