Voltaire was a French philosopher in the 1700s. Although he lived in a country held under strict Catholic law, Voltaire spoke out in favor of the freedom of religion. He also urged his fellow citizens to question the people in charge. While this was a dangerous task, as the church often executed people who went against Catholicism, Voltaire managed to live over the age of eighty. He is not taught in schools as often as major figures such as Aristotle, Descartes, and Kant, but his quotes are still often used today. His fight for freedom and witty sense of humor make him one of the more relatable philosophers of the early modern era. The following quotes from Voltaire have all had a positive impact on my life, and I hope they do on yours too. They are funny, insightful, and even life-changing at times.

"Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers."

"Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world."

"Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities."

"Love truth, but pardon error."

"Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do."

"Dare to think for yourself."

"It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong."

"The most important decision you make is to be in a good mood."

"Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too."

"Appreciate is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."

"Ice-cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn't illegal."

"Prejudices are what fools use for reason."

"The comfort of the rich depends upon an abundant supply of the poor."

"Don't think money does everything or you are going to end up doing everything for money."

"What is history? The lie that everyone agrees on."

"No opinion is worth burning your neighbor for."

"A witty quote proves nothing."

"The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us."

"History never repeats itself. Man always does."

"Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother-in-law."

"To hold a pen is to be at war."

"When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion."

"It is hard to free fools from the chains they revere."

"To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize."

I hope some of these quotes touched you, whether they gave you a good laugh, made you think, or changed your perspective. Voltaire was way ahead of his time, and all of these quotes are still relevant today. I encourage you to look up more about Voltaire and learn something from him. It is important to note, however, that even he said some questionable things. With that being said, his main points, some of which are listed above, are great to live by.