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.
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It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
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It is not sufficient to see and to know the beauty of a work. We must feel and be affected by it.
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We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies - it is the first law of nature.
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It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one.
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