Voltaire the Universal Man by Derek Parker delves
into the very chaotic but interesting life of one of the world’s greatest playwrights
and thinkers. Voltaire was born in 1694 whose real name was François-Marie
Arouet. He wrote thousands of books, letters, and theatricals in his attempt to
help people to think beyond the obvious. He railed against short logic,
intolerance, dogmatic blindness, war, and at times established royalty. In many ways he adopted American values and
encouraged others in his country to follow the same beliefs.
Taught by Jesuits his family pushed him to become an
attorney. However, he rebelled and instead became a writer and poet. Because of
the way he thought about the world, and his criticism of some Paris practices,
he spent numerous times imprisoned. An eleven month stay in the Bastille caused
estrangement from his family but also freed him to pursue his own goals.
His personality and fame can be seen in one of his
conflicts. When a Paris noble of called Chevalier de Rohan mocked him by
asking, “Monsieur de Voltaire, Monsieur
Arouet, exactly what is your
name?” The clever verbal jouster Voltaire retorted, “I myself do not bear a great name, but I know how to honor the one I
carry”. At this insult the Chevalier raised his cane to thrash him and
Voltaire unsheathed his sword. A few days later Voltaire was beaten by some
ruffians paid for by the Chevalier. Instead of spending time in prison for
asking for a duel (between a commoner and nobleman) he opted to instead go into
exile in England.
Voltaire was known as a champion of civil rights and
a literary artist unsurpassed by anyone. His pressure forced people in France
to think about the nature of government and helped solidify the Renaissance. He
moved around a lot, his fame increased, and so did his wealth. Yet he had
detractors that thought he wasn’t original enough in his works. Despite his criticism
it was him who opened people’s minds to the possibilities.
You may be interested in some of his notable quotes:
“I have only ever made one prayer to God, a very
short one: ‘O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.’ And God granted it.”
“It is dangerous to be right in matters where
established men are wrong.”
“There are truths which are not for all men, nor for
all times.”
“Such then is the human condition, that to wish
greatness for one’s country is to wish harm to one’s neighbors.”
“The secret of being a bore is to tell everything.”
“Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the
privilege to do so too”
Parker, D. (2005). Voltaire the Universal Man. Sutton Publishing Limited;UK
