“The opportunity for doing mischief is found a hundred times a day, and of doing good once in a year.”
- 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 opportunity for doing mischief is found a hundred times a day, and of doing good once in a year.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s observation on the disproportionate ease of causing harm compared to doing good. He highlights the frequency with which people encounter chances to engage in destructive or selfish actions, while opportunities to perform meaningful acts of goodness are rarer and require more effort. This contrast underscores the challenge of living virtuously in a world where mischief is often more accessible and tempting.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with the prevalence of impulsive behaviors and the difficulty of making a positive impact. For example, spreading misinformation online or making thoughtless remarks can happen effortlessly and frequently, while creating genuine positive change, such as building community trust or solving societal problems, requires time, intention, and persistence. Voltaire’s words remind us of the vigilance and effort needed to resist harmful impulses and seize rare opportunities for good.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in social media interactions. It is easy to criticize, troll, or spread negativity multiple times a day, but significantly harder to contribute constructively to meaningful discussions or initiate positive change. Voltaire’s quote serves as a call to be mindful of our actions, recognizing the ease of causing harm and the importance of actively seeking opportunities to do good.
