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Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause.
Voltaire
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes that everything has a reason or cause, dismissing the randomness implied by 'chance.'

In this quote, Voltaire asserts that the concept of chance is nonsensical because it overlooks the underlying reasons or causes that give rise to events and phenomena. This perspective suggests that understanding causality is essential to grasp the nature of existence, indicating that everything happens for a reason and that randomness does not truly exist.

Themes

ChanceCausePhilosophyVoltaireExistence

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a debate about free will versus determinism.

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