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Re: Voltaire

Posted by James Briggs on July 10, 2003

In Reply to: Re: Voltaire posted by ESC on July 10, 2003

: : : : : : Can anyone please tell me who wrote "I disagree with what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it" and where does it come from?

: : : : : French writer, satirist and the embodiment of the 18th-century Enlightenment, Voltaire is remembered as a crusader against tyranny and bigotry.

: : : : Thank you Bruce. Wish I was half as knowledgeable as you guys.

: : : : Doris

: : : You probably wouldn't if you knew how many people do internet searches before responding...

: :
: : And if they're dedicated Googlers, they may even come across the following site, which suggests that Voltaire might not have been the one who said it in the first place...

: I found something in a quote book, but I don't know what it means.

: "Misquotations (heading)
: I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. to Helvetius, following the burning of 'De l'espirit' in 1759.

: attributed to Voltaire, but in fact a later summary of his attitude by S.G. Tallentyre in 'The Friends of Voltaire' ..."

: I'm not sure if that means Helvetius said it first. Or Voltaire was suppose to have said to Helvetius.

I have a strong memory of reading the very phrase in 'Candide' - English version. I think Voltaire did write the phrase