“In the case of news, we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation.”
- 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
“In the case of news, we should always wait for the sacrament of confirmation.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s skepticism about the reliability of information and the importance of verifying facts before accepting them as truth. By referring to the “sacrament of confirmation,” Voltaire humorously implies that, much like religious rituals that affirm truth, news should be verified and confirmed before being believed or acted upon. His words suggest that accepting unverified information can be dangerous, and the process of confirmation ensures that what is being reported is legitimate and accurate.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the prevalence of misinformation and the importance of fact-checking, especially in the age of digital media and social networks. With the rapid spread of news, both accurate and false, it is essential to wait for credible sources to verify information before forming opinions or sharing it. Voltaire’s statement is a reminder that hasty conclusions, especially about breaking news, can lead to misunderstanding or harm.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in the fact-checking industry and the rise of media literacy programs. In today’s digital world, news is often shared before it has been fully verified, leading to confusion and even panic. Voltaire’s quote encourages caution and thoughtful consideration, urging people to wait for reliable confirmation before accepting or spreading news.
