What Voltaire thinks about religion
French writer and public activist (1694 to 1778), born François-Marie d'Arouet; a leading figure of the Enlightenment; lived in England from 1726 to 1729.
Voltaire did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
2 dated positions, c. 1733, in their own words. Our reading of what Voltaire has said — not written or endorsed by them.
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Their wordsIf one religion only were allowed in England, the Government would very possibly become arbitrary; if there were but two, the people would cut one another’s throats; but as there are such a multitude, they all live happy and in peace.
↗Letters on England (1733 English edition, ed. Henry Morley, 1894)gutenberg.org 1st of 7 in this piece
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Their wordsThe Romans never knew the dreadful folly of religious wars, an abomination reserved for devout preachers of patience and humility.
↗Letters on England (1733 English edition, ed. Henry Morley, 1894)gutenberg.org 2nd of 7 in this piece
The line under a date fills as the words age, a quarter at a time: past a month, six months, a year, and three years. Empty means said within the last month; full, more than three years ago. It says when, not whether it still holds — a change of mind is marked on the claim itself.
Dashed means we only know the words existed by that date; they may be older.