The late 1500’s to the late 1700’s were an age of reason allowing lots of different people from different time periods and locations to share their opinions on human nature to ideas on how the government should operate. François-Marie Arouet commonly known as Voltaire was amongst the best philosophers and his words and knowledge is portrayed in today’s generation and will still apply for a long time after. Voltaire was the best philosopher, because he put others in front of him and pointed out evil along with a solution on how to fix it.
Voltaire lived between 1664-1778 and was born in France to a middle-class family. He lived in a time of science, logic and reasoning along with other philosophers, because of his background his views shined through more than others. Because of him growing up in middle-class it was easy for him to see problems from rich to poor people without being bias. He saw all the people’s problems as one, no matter where they or their family originated and how their class in society. Voltaire praised others work such as Locke and Newton. He was known for his plays and novels and passed away in 1778 at the age of 83. With the combined logic of other philosophers, Voltaire had the best ideas on the world and everything in it such as human nature and society.
Voltaire argued for an ignorant free society full of freedom, equality and people aware of what’s going on around them. Voltaire argued for free religion, freedom of thought even if he didn’t believe in someone’s god he still stood for them. He is credited for saying “I do not agree with what you say, but I will fight till death, the right for you to say it”. He was the least arrogant and instead of defending only him and defended all people and it really showed what type of person he was. His thoughts on humans were accurate, but his thoughts on government were precise.
Voltaire fought for the people has a whole. He thought the best ruler was an enlightened monarch, which basically means someone who is educated on government. It seems self-explanatory, but still lots of people never came to grips with that idea and it wasn't brought up until Voltaire.
This idea was brought to light, because he also believed people could not govern themselves. Lots of his ideas were revolved around Locke’s such as being able to rebel against the leader if he was a tyrant. He took the best from many other philosophers and accepted their ideas showing once again, he was open and ignorant free, just like the way he wanted to see society.
Voltaire and his thoughts were the most realistic surrounding people and government. Using his position and place he made his own thoughts and shared them amongst people which allowed us to seething from a middle man. Voltaire may be dead now, but his words and suggestions live on forever.
A witty saying proves nothing.
-Voltaire
1 comment:
I agree that Locke helped shape his views.
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