Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
The Holy Roman Empire is neither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Voltaire critiques the inconsistencies in the designation of the Holy Roman Empire.
This quote by Voltaire highlights the contradictions inherent in the title of the Holy Roman Empire, suggesting that it fails to embody the characteristics implied by its name. By stating that it is neither holy, nor Roman, nor truly an empire, Voltaire is engaging in a form of satirical commentary on the political and religious authority that the empire claimed to possess, and he raises questions about legitimacy and identity within historical contexts.
Themes
VoltaireEmpireCritiqueAuthorityIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the historical context of empires during a lecture on European history.
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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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