“Very learned women are to be found, in the same manner as female warriors; but they are seldom or ever inventors.”
- 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
“Very learned women are to be found, in the same manner as female warriors; but they are seldom or ever inventors.”
Explanation
This quote reflects Voltaire’s commentary on gender roles and societal expectations. He suggests that while women may excel in fields of knowledge or education, like learned scholars, they are rarely recognized as inventors or creators. Voltaire’s comparison to female warriors highlights the rarity and societal skepticism of women excelling in areas traditionally reserved for men, such as invention or innovation.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with ongoing discussions about gender equality and representation. Historically, women’s contributions to fields like science, technology, and innovation were often overlooked or undervalued, and even today, women continue to face barriers to recognition in many fields. Voltaire’s words can be seen as a critique of these systemic inequalities, encouraging us to challenge the assumption that certain achievements or roles are inherently male-dominated.
A specific example of this principle can be seen in the history of scientific discovery. Many women, such as Marie Curie and Ada Lovelace, made groundbreaking contributions but were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. Voltaire’s quote serves as a reminder of the need to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of women in all fields, especially those historically excluded or marginalized.
