Skip to content

Love Quote by Voltaire

“Were you ever in France, Mr. Martin?" said Candide. "Yes," said Martin, "I have been in several provinces. In some one-half of the people are fools, in others they are too cunning; in some they are weak and simple, in others they affect to be witty; in all, the principal occupation is love, the…” quote by Voltaire
Download Open image
““Were you ever in France, Mr. Martin?" said Candide. "Yes," said Martin, "I have been in several provinces. In some one-half of the people are fools, in others they are too cunning; in some they are weak and simple, in others they affect to be witty; in all, the principal occupation is love, the next is slander, and the third is talking nonsense." "But, Mr. Martin, have you seen Paris?" "Yes, I have. All these kinds are found there. It is a chaos—a confused multitude, where everybody seeks pleasure and scarcely any one finds it, at least as it appeared to me. I made a short stay there. On my arrival I was robbed of all I had by pickpockets at the fair of St. Germain. I myself was taken for a robber and was imprisoned for eight days, after which I served as corrector of the press to gain the money necessary for my return to Holland on foot. I knew the whole scribbling rabble, the party rabble, the fanatic rabble. It is said that there are very polite people in that city, and I wish to believe it.””

Voltaire

About This Quote

Source Novel: Candide by Voltaire, 1759

Human nature is a mix of folly, cunning, love, slander, and nonsense, especially evident in chaotic cities like Paris.

In simple terms: People are flawed and seek pleasure, often missing it.

Key Takeaway

Question assumptions about human behavior.

Themes

philosophy human nature society city satire

Mood

reflective humorous

Type

literary satirical

When to use this quote

  • urban life
  • political discourse
  • personal relationships
  • travel experiences

Key Concepts

Cynicism social critique existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives people to seek pleasure despite chaos?
  • Can societies balance love and slander?
A Different Perspective

Generalizations may overlook individual virtue.

3.0 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Voltaire

Explore all 934 Voltaire quotes

More Love quotes

Browse all 233,035 Love quotes