Chance Quote by Voltaire
“Everything I see about me is sowing the seeds of a revolution that is inevitable, though I shall not have the pleasure of seeing it. The lightning is so close at hand that it will strike at the first chance, and then there will be a pretty uproar. The young are fortunate, for they will see fine things.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Candide by Voltaire, 1759
The speaker predicts an inevitable, powerful change that will happen quickly, though they will not witness it; the youth will benefit.
In simple terms: A big change is coming soon, but the speaker won’t see it; youth will enjoy it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that change may be beyond your control and empower the next generation.
Themes
revolution
change
youth
inevitability
Mood
hopeful
urgent
reflective
Type
philosophical
prophetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- social movements
- political upheaval
- technological breakthroughs
- cultural shifts
Key Concepts
political theory
historical cycles
generational shift
Questions to Reflect On
- How can individuals influence an inevitable revolution?
- What responsibilities do we have to future generations?
A Different Perspective
The prediction may be overly deterministic, ignoring agency and contingency.
![“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." [ Remarks on the first anniversary of the Alliance for Progress , 13 March 1962]” quote by John F. Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cde/john-f-kennedy-246_first-anniversary_those-who-make-peaceful-revolution-impos_282036.jpg)
