“If God created us in his own image, we have more than reciprocated.”
- 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
“If God created us in his own image, we have more than reciprocated.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s satirical wit, highlighting the human tendency to project our own flaws, vices, and imperfections onto the concept of God. Voltaire suggests that if humans are indeed made in God’s image, then their actions, with all their faults and shortcomings, far surpass the divine creation. The quote humorously implies that humanity, with its sins and misdeeds, has “returned” God’s creation in a manner that goes beyond what might have been expected.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with criticisms of religious doctrines that anthropomorphize or justify human imperfections through the image of God. It raises questions about how we interpret divine qualities and how we may, knowingly or unknowingly, embody the opposite of those qualities in our behavior. Voltaire’s observation challenges us to consider the relationship between human nature and the idealized image of God, encouraging a critical reflection on the alignment (or misalignment) of our actions with moral or divine standards.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in the way some religious groups interpret the moral failings of humanity as reflections of divine expectations. Instead of striving for the ideal virtues attributed to God, many may project human flaws onto their concept of divinity, creating a system that often justifies rather than corrects human behavior. Voltaire’s quote serves as a reminder to examine the relationship between human behavior and the ideals we associate with divinity.
