Skip to content

It was decided by the university of Coimbre that the sight…

“It was decided by the university of Coimbre that the sight of several persons being slowly burned in great ceremony is an infallible secret for preventing earthquakes.” quote by Voltaire
Download Open image
“It was decided by the university of Coimbre that the sight of several persons being slowly burned in great ceremony is an infallible secret for preventing earthquakes.”

Voltaire

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A satirical claim suggests a ritual of burning people prevents earthquakes, mocking superstitious beliefs.

In simple terms: Burning people supposedly stops earthquakes, a satire on superstition.

Key Takeaway

Question absurd rituals.

Themes

satire superstition science

Mood

skeptical ironic

Type

philosophical

When to use this quote

  • public policy
  • education
  • disaster response

Key Concepts

critical thinking myth debunking cultural critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies cling to superstitions?
  • How can rationalism replace myth?
A Different Perspective

Such rituals are harmful and ineffective.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Voltaire

Explore all 934 Voltaire quotes

More Burned quotes

Browse all 1,079 Burned quotes