Is Voltaire's famous quote actually attributed to him or someone else?

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In summary, the popular quote "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" is often attributed to Voltaire, but was actually written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall. This quote is based on Voltaire's belief in freedom of speech, as expressed in his Essay on Tolerance.
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Blahness
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"I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"?

I read that Voltaire didn't say that, but someone said he did and it spread. Will post source later, once I can get the source/material again.
 
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I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

* Though these words are regularly attributed to Voltaire, they were first used by Evelyn Beatrice Hall, writing under the pseudonym of Stephen G Tallentyre in The Friends of Voltaire (1906), as a summation of Voltaire's attitude, based on statements in Essay on Tolerance where he asserts: "Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too".
- http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Voltaire
My favorite:

A witty saying proves nothing.

:smile:
 
  • #3


I cannot definitively confirm or deny the attribution of this quote to Voltaire. However, it is important to note that the quote aligns with Voltaire's beliefs and principles, as he was a staunch advocate for freedom of speech and expression. Whether or not he actually said these exact words, the sentiment behind them is consistent with his philosophy. Ultimately, the source of the quote may be less important than the message it conveys. As scientists, it is our responsibility to critically evaluate information and sources, rather than blindly accepting or dismissing them based on their origins.
 

FAQ: Is Voltaire's famous quote actually attributed to him or someone else?

Did Voltaire actually say "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it"?

Yes, Voltaire did say this quote. It is often attributed to him because it aligns with his beliefs on freedom of speech and tolerance. However, it was actually written by his biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall in her book about Voltaire's philosophy.

Did Voltaire actually say "Common sense is not so common"?

Yes, this quote is commonly attributed to Voltaire. He wrote it in his satire play "La Bégueule" in 1772, but it is often translated as "The common sense is not so common."

Did Voltaire actually say "Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers"?

There is no evidence that Voltaire said this quote. It is often misattributed to him, but it was actually written by French philosopher and mathematician Pierre-Marc-Gaston in his book "The Art of Thinking" published in 1839.

Did Voltaire actually say "Love truth, but pardon error"?

Yes, this quote is accurately attributed to Voltaire. He wrote it in his "Essay on Tolerance" in 1763 as a reminder to always seek the truth and be forgiving of human error.

Did Voltaire actually say "To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize"?

No, this quote is often misattributed to Voltaire. It was actually written by American neo-Nazi Kevin Alfred Strom in his essay "All America Must Know the Terror That is Upon Us" published in 1993.

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