Voltaire’s Philosophical Dictionary isn’t just a philosophical treatise—it’s a masterclass in sharp wit and irreverent takedowns of authority. The “Adultery” section is no exception. While…
Let’s start with a modern twist: look up the word “impious” in today’s dictionary, and you’ll find it means lacking reverence or respect, especially for…
Voltaire’s section on “Luxury” in his Philosophical Dictionary feels as fresh today as it must have in the 18th century. His witty observations on human…
It’s 2024, and while politics dominates the landscape, I can’t help but feel that everything looks a little too familiar, as a student of history.…
What is a “fatherland”? This question, deceptively simple, lies at the heart of Voltaire’s musings in his Philosophical Dictionary. His chapter on Fatherland probes the…
Ever wonder why people from different parts of the world have such strikingly different customs, behaviors, and even temperaments? According to Voltaire, it’s not some…
Finding Personal Purpose in a World Without Inherent Meaning The idea that life has no inherent meaning is a heavy one. As someone deeply enthralled…
There are many people in the world who love to convey their thoughts and ideas to others. Language was the birth of communication, perhaps the…
Passion Unleashed in the Era of Enlightenment In the heart of the 18th century, a period know for intellectual revolution, passion emerged as a central…
