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Quote by Luc de Clapiers

“Some authors regard morality in the same light as we regard modern architecture. Convenience is the first thing to be looked for.”

Author

Luc de Clapiers

Luc de Clapiers, known by his pen name Voltaire, was a prominent French writer, philosopher, historian, and an influential figure of the Enlightenment, born on August 6, 1715, and died on May 28, 1747. His works, characterized by satire and humor, have had a profound impact on literature and thought. more

“Superficial knowledge ... is hurtful to those who possess true genius; for it necessarily draws them away from their main object, wastes their industry over details and subjects foreign to their needs and natural talent, and lastly does not serve, as they flatter themselves, to prove the breadth of their mind. In all ages there have been men of very moderate intelligence who knew much, and so on the contrary, men of the highest intelligence who knew very little. Ignorance is not lack of intelligence, nor knowledge a proof of genius.”

“As soon as an opinion becomes common it is sufficient reason for men to abandon it and to uphold the opposite opinion until that in its turn grows old, and they require to distinguish themselves by other things. Thus if they attain their goal in some art or science, we must expect them soon to cast it aside to acquire some fresh fame, and this is partly the reason why the most splendid ages degenerate so quickly, and, scarcely emerged from barbarism, plunge into it again.”