Voltaire: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities

The Socratic Method ^ | Unknown | Unknown

[Jacquerie]

In this blog article, we will explore the profound quote by Voltaire, "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." At its core, this quote serves as a sober reminder of the power of manipulation and the dire consequences it can have on individuals and society as a whole. Voltaire's words encapsulate the notion that when people are persuaded to accept and adopt absurd beliefs or ideas, they become vulnerable to committing acts of great cruelty or injustice.

This statement holds immense importance in our modern world, where manipulation is rampant, giving rise to extremism and oppressive ideologies. When we dissect this quote, it is crucial to recognize the correlation between belief and action. People's actions are often driven by the convictions they hold, and if those convictions are based on absurdities, the consequences can be devastating. History has shown countless examples of individuals who, under the influence of manipulation and false ideologies, have perpetrated horrific acts against their fellow human beings. It is not the mind itself that should be blamed, but rather the twisted minds that manipulate and exploit it.

While the meaning and significance of Voltaire's quote are inherently thought-provoking, let us now introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that adds further interest to our exploration. The concept of moral absolutism versus moral relativism invites us to question the very foundation of right and wrong. These two philosophical approaches offer contrasting perspectives on ethical judgments and provide differing frameworks for evaluating human behavior.

Moral absolutism asserts that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the circumstances or cultural context. This view maintains that there are objective moral principles that exist universally and should guide human conduct. In contrast, moral relativism suggests that ethical judgments are subjective and depend on cultural, societal, or individual perspectives. According to this perspective, what is considered right or wrong can vary across different cultures and times.

When we align Voltaire's quote with the concept of moral relativism, the connection becomes even more evident. The manipulation discussed in the quote can exploit varying moral frameworks, depending on the beliefs and values instilled in individuals or communities. This manipulation can take advantage of the relativistic nature of ethical judgments, blurring the line between rationality and absurdity, leading people down a path of atrocities.

[reasonisfaith]

Are you okay?

[otness_e]

Voltaire if anything was a key factor in the attempted genocide against Christians during the French Revolution, and his ultimate aim was to destroy God because he can’t stand the latter being smarter than him (basically, compare Voltaire to Lex Luthor from Superman, only in this case, I’d argue Voltaire was even LESS impressive than Lex Luthor. At least the latter made a lot of impressive scientific achievements that had him earn his tatus as having a high intellect, while Voltaire wrote puerile philosophical writings and who’s only real accomplishment beyond his pretentious writings was outright scamming a lottery). So I’d say he’s definitely evil. Not to mention he helped inspire Karl Marx.

And funny thing is, he himself tried to PUSH absurdities. Abbe Barruell more than exposed this, as did Timothy Dwight.