“Illusion is the first of all pleasures.”
- November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778
- Born in France
- Philosopher, man of letters, historian
- Wrote many works, including “Philosophy of History,” “De Toleration,” “Philosophical Dictionary,” “Philosophical Letters,” “Oedipus,” and “Candide,” and is known as a pioneer of Enlightenment thought.
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Quote
“Illusion is the first of all pleasures.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s recognition of the role that illusion or delusion plays in human happiness and experience. He suggests that the ability to believe in something that isn’t entirely real—whether through fantasy, hope, or desire—is often the initial source of pleasure for people. Illusion, in this sense, provides the excitement or joy of possibility and expectation, even if the reality may eventually fall short or be disappointing.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with how people often derive pleasure from dreams, hopes, or fantasies, even when they know deep down that these may not come to fruition. For example, people may feel joy in the anticipation of a vacation, a new job, or a romantic relationship, even though these experiences might not live up to their idealized expectations. Voltaire’s quote highlights how the power of illusion—whether in imagination, desire, or expectation—drives human emotions and actions.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in consumer culture, where advertising often creates an illusion of happiness or fulfillment that a product promises, even if the product itself doesn’t deliver lasting satisfaction. The illusion of satisfaction or improvement is what draws people to purchase, even if the reality falls short. Voltaire’s words remind us of the temporary and sometimes deceptive nature of illusion as a source of pleasure.
