There have been a lot of philosophers in the history of western philosophy who became the epitome of intelligence and whose words flowed like a river of jewels. Nonetheless, no one reached the calibre of Voltaire. He was born in France and his philosophical thoughts paved the way for the great French revolution in 1789 which, nevertheless, laid the foundation of modern fundamental rights of man. His personality was an amalgamation of sophistication and extravagance.
Once, he said for his contemporary philosopher Rousseau, “I disagree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say till my death.” His statement speaks volumes of his advocacy for liberalism in religion and politics.
He separated church from state and unintentionally gave birth to western secularism which resultantly created a spark of conflict between him and the religious authorities of that time. This pragmatic philosopher doubted the existence of God on one hand and necessitated it for social harmony on the other hand. He writes in his “Dialogue on Metaphysics” that there are many difficulties in accepting that God is present but this rejection can shackle the roots of society. He also writes in a letter to his friend Friedrich.
“The concept of God should be retained; human society needs it. If God isn’t there, it needs to be created.” His intelligence can be gauged from the words of Rousseau, “If it comes to the capabilities of Voltaire, a whole life can be spent in his feet.” His sharpness earned him the luxuries of life and the supporters for whom he once said, “May God defend me from my friends. I can defend myself from my enemies.” When he became old and returned to his homeland after the exile, a young boy came to kiss his forehead to which he replied, “Life seems to be kissing the face of death.
On his burial, the people were shouting, “Voltaire showed us a way to freedom.” His enlightened thoughts urged the people to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice. His stand on liberty and civil rights altered the socio-politico-cultural conditions of that time irreversibly. At the time of the French Revolution, Louis XVI said, “Voltaire and Rousseau destroyed France.”
AWAIS AHMED
Lahore
