“The progress of rivers to the ocean is not so rapid as that of man to error.”
- 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 progress of rivers to the ocean is not so rapid as that of man to error.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s view on the inevitable and often swift tendency of humans to fall into mistakes or wrongdoing. He compares the steady, natural flow of rivers to the ocean with the even faster and more frequent tendency of humans to make errors or embrace falsehoods. Voltaire’s words suggest that, while nature follows its course at a steady pace, human beings often rush toward error, whether through poor judgment, ignorance, or misplaced beliefs.
In modern contexts, this idea resonates with the speed at which people adopt incorrect or harmful ideas, whether through misinformation, bias, or emotional reaction. In the age of rapid communication and social media, false information or misconceptions can spread quickly, often faster than the process of correcting them. Voltaire’s observation serves as a cautionary reminder of how easily humans can be led astray, urging us to be more mindful, thoughtful, and discerning in our actions and beliefs.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in the spread of misinformation, especially in political or social contexts. In times of crisis, rumors or false information can spread faster than the truth, leading people to make decisions based on incomplete or incorrect facts. Voltaire’s quote underscores the need for critical thinking and a deliberate approach to understanding the world around us, so that we do not rush into errors or misunderstandings.
