O Voltaire! O humanity! O idiocy! There is something…
“O Voltaire! O humanity! O idiocy! There is something ticklish in "the truth," and in the SEARCH for the truth; and if man goes about it too humanely-"il ne cherche le vrai que pour faire le bien"-I wager he finds nothing!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human pursuit of truth is often driven by moral motives, which can obscure pure truth.
In simple terms: Seeking truth for moral reasons may hide it.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth beyond moral agendas.
Themes
truth
morality
human nature
philosophy
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- journalistic investigation
- personal introspection
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
ethics
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What motives drive your search for truth?
- Can truth be separated from moral intent?
A Different Perspective
Pure objectivity may be unattainable.