'Originality is nothing but judicious imitation' - Voltaire

Voltaire, also known by his real name François-Marie Arouet, was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher. He is widely considered one of the greatest writers in the French language and one of the most influential thinkers of his time. His works continue to have a significant impact on modern-day philosophy, and his ideas have been the subject of many debates and discussions.

One of Voltaire’s most famous quotes is, “Originality is nothing but judicious imitation,” a statement that has been discussed and analyzed by scholars for centuries. Essentially, the quote suggests that originality is not something that is entirely new, but rather a combination of existing ideas and concepts that are carefully selected and adapted to create something new.

Voltaire believed that the greatest artists and thinkers were not those who invented something completely new, but those who were able to take existing ideas and make them better. He argued that creativity did not come from a blank slate, but from the willingness to learn from the great thinkers that came before.

To understand this quote, it is important to understand the context in which Voltaire lived. He was writing during the Age of Enlightenment, a time of great intellectual and cultural change in Europe. During this period, there was a strong emphasis on reason, science, and progress. Many thinkers believed that the key to progress was the ability to innovate and create something entirely new.

However, Voltaire saw things differently. He believed that progress was not about creating something from scratch but about learning from the wisdom of those who came before. He believed that real innovation came from the careful selection and adaptation of existing ideas.

This idea is not only relevant to Voltaire’s time but holds true even today. Many of the greatest innovations and breakthroughs in modern times have been the result of building upon existing ideas rather than creating something entirely new. For example, the invention of the iPhone was not an entirely new concept but was built upon existing technologies and ideas.

In conclusion, Voltaire’s quote, “Originality is nothing but judicious imitation,” is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from those who came before us. It suggests that true innovation comes not from creating something entirely new but from carefully selecting and adapting existing ideas to create something better. As we continue to strive for progress, Voltaire’s wisdom reminds us that we are not starting from scratch but building upon the works of those who have already made great contributions to our world.

Who is “Voltaire”?

Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, satire, and advocacy for civil liberties, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. His real name was François-Marie Arouet, and he lived from 1694 to 1778. Some of his most famous works include “Candide,” “Letters Concerning the English Nation,” and “The Philosophical Dictionary.”

Are there any books about “Voltaire”?

Yes, there are many books about Voltaire, including biographies, analyses of his literary works, and studies of his philosophical ideas. Some notable examples include:

1. “Voltaire: A Biography” by Ian Davidson
2. “Voltaire: Candide and Other Writings” edited by David Wootton
3. “Voltaire in Love” by Nancy Mitford
4. “Voltaire’s Revolution: Writings from His Campaign to Free Laws from Religion” edited by G.K. Noyer
5. “Voltaire’s Calligrapher: A Novel” by Pablo De Santis
6. “Voltaire: The Universal Man” by Derek Parker
7. “Voltaire’s Politics: The Poet as Realist” by M.M. Goldsmith
8. “Voltaire’s Philosophical Dictionary” edited by Theodore Besterman
9. “Voltaire and the Triumph of the Enlightenment” by Harriet Williams.

There are many more books available on the subject of Voltaire, ranging from academic studies to popular biographies, and covering a wide range of topics related to the French writer and philosopher.

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