“I know many books which have bored their readers, but I know of none which has done real evil.”
- 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.
Quote
“I know many books which have bored their readers, but I know of none which has done real evil.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s recognition of the harmless nature of literature, despite its potential to be tiresome or unengaging. He suggests that while many books may fail to captivate or entertain, they rarely have any lasting harmful impact on society or individuals. Voltaire’s words highlight his belief in the importance of reason and thoughtful critique over fear of books or ideas, which were often censored in his time.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with the broader debate about censorship and intellectual freedom. Books, even those with controversial or challenging ideas, are unlikely to do “real evil” unless taken out of context or misused to justify harm. Voltaire’s quote reminds us that the power of literature lies in its capacity to provoke thought, reflection, and discussion, but it is not inherently dangerous.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in the literary works of authors like George Orwell or Mark Twain, whose books often faced criticism or censorship due to their social or political themes. Despite this, their works have contributed to important conversations and changes, proving that literature, while sometimes unpopular, rarely does harm if engaged with thoughtfully. Voltaire’s words serve as a defense of the written word and its role in fostering critical thinking and understanding.
