Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
Every man is a creature of the age in which he lives and few are able to raise themselves above the ideas of the time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that individuals are heavily influenced by the prevailing ideas and culture of their time, with only a few capable of transcending these limitations.
Voltaire's quote reflects the notion that our thoughts, beliefs, and actions are deeply rooted in the societal context of our era. It highlights the challenges of original thinking and innovation, implying that most people conform to contemporary ideas and norms, while only a few possess the foresight or courage to challenge these prevailing concepts, thus elevating themselves beyond the confines of their time.
Themes
InfluenceSocietyTimeChangeThought
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about innovation, one might quote Voltaire to emphasize the need for original ideas.
More from Voltaire
All quotes βHe was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead.
VoltaireRead
It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
VoltaireRead
It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
VoltaireRead
We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
VoltaireRead
It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
VoltaireRead
Similar quotes
Lord, if I thought you were listening, I'd pray for this above all: that any church set up in your name should remain poor, and powerless, and modest. That it should wield no authority except that of love. That it should never cast anyone out. That it should own no property and make no laws. That it should not condemn, but only forgive.
Philip PullmanRead
Exact knowledge is the enemy of vitalism.
Francis CrickRead
Karma means your have to live with the consequences of the actions you have taken in the past. Whatever you put out is coming back.
Deepak ChopraRead
Every situation--nay, every moment--is of infinite worth; for it is the representative of a whole eternity.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
But meanwhile time flies; it flies never to be regained.
VirgilRead
The love of posterity is the consequence of the necessity of death. If a man were sure of living forever here, he would not care about his offspring.
Nathaniel HawthorneRead