“The multitude of books is making us ignorant.”
- 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
“The multitude of books is making us ignorant.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s concern with the overwhelming quantity of information and literature that can distract from true knowledge and understanding. He suggests that while books and information are valuable, the sheer volume of them can lead to confusion, superficial understanding, and ignorance rather than enlightenment. Voltaire’s critique is that when there is so much information available, it becomes difficult to focus on deep, meaningful knowledge, and people may become overwhelmed or misled by an excess of sources.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with the challenges posed by the information age. With the internet and digital media providing constant access to vast amounts of content, it can be easy to become inundated with trivial or contradictory information, making it harder to engage in thoughtful learning or critical thinking. Voltaire’s statement serves as a cautionary reminder to focus on quality over quantity in learning and to avoid being distracted by the vast sea of content that may not lead to true understanding.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in the way people consume media today. With an overload of books, articles, social media posts, and news reports, people may struggle to discern what is truly valuable or credible, leading to a shallow or fragmented understanding of the world. Voltaire’s words highlight the importance of careful selection and deep engagement with the material we consume, rather than simply amassing information.
