Prejudices are what fools use for reason.
VoltaireRead
Whoever serves his country well has no need of ancestors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Serving one's country is more valuable than relying on one's lineage.
This quote by Voltaire emphasizes the importance of personal contribution to society over heritage or ancestry. It suggests that the actions and service one provides for their country hold more significance and value than the legacy left by previous generations, highlighting a meritocratic view of honor and legacy.
Themes
ServiceCountryAncestorsLegacyContribution
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to inspire students to serve their nation.
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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