In 1694, Age of Enlightenment leader Francois-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, was born in Paris. Jesuit-educated, he began writing clever verses by the age of 12. He launched a lifelong, successful playwriting career in 1718, interrupted by imprisonment in the Bastille. Upon a second imprisonment, in which Francois adopted the pen name Voltaire, he was released after agreeing to move to London. There he wrote Lettres philosophiques (1733), which galvanized French reform. The book also satirized the religious teachings of Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal, including Pascal's famed "wager" on God. Voltaire wrote: "The interest I have in believing a thing is not a proof of the existence of that thing." Voltaire's French publisher was sent to the Bastille and Voltaire had to escape from Paris again, as judges sentenced the book to be "torn and burned in the Palace." Voltaire spent a calm 16 years with his deistic mistress, Madame du Chatelet, in Lorraine. He met the 27 year old married mother when he was 39. In his memoirs, he wrote: "I found, in 1733, a young woman who thought as I did, and decided to spend several years in the country, cultivating her mind." He dedicated Traite de metaphysique to her. In it the Deist candidly rejected immortality and questioned belief in God. It was not published until the 1780s. Voltaire continued writing amusing but meaty philosophical plays and histories. After the earthquake that leveled Lisbon in 1755, in which 15,000 people perished and another 15,000 were wounded, Voltaire wrote Po猫me sur le d茅sastre de Lisbonne (Poem on the Lisbon Disaster): "But how conceive a God supremely good/ Who heaps his favours on the sons he loves,/ Yet scatters evil with as large a hand?"
Voltaire purchased a chateau in Geneva, where, among other works, he wrote Candide (1759). To avoid Calvinist persecution, Voltaire moved across the border to Ferney, where the wealthy writer lived for 18 years until his death. Voltaire began to openly challenge Christianity, calling it "the infamous thing." He wrote Frederick the Great: "Christianity is the most ridiculous, the most absurd, and bloody religion that has ever infected the world." Voltaire ended every letter to friends with "Ecrasez l'infame" (crush the infamy 鈥� the Christian religion). His pamphlet, The Sermon on the Fifty (1762) went after transubstantiation, miracles, biblical contradictions, the Jewish religion, and the Christian God. Voltaire wrote that a true god "surely cannot have been born of a girl, nor died on the gibbet, nor be eaten in a piece of dough," or inspired "books, filled with contradictions, madness, and horror." He also published excerpts of Testament of the Abbe Meslier, by an atheist priest, in Holland, which advanced the Enlightenment. Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary was published in 1764 without his name. Although the first edition immediately sold out, Geneva officials, followed by Dutch and Parisian, had the books burned. It was published in 1769 as two large volumes. Voltaire campaigned fiercely against civil atrocities in the name of religion, writing pamphlets and commentaries about the barbaric execution of a Huguenot trader, who was first broken at the wheel, then burned at the stake, in 1762. Voltaire's campaign for justice and restitution ended with a posthumous retrial in 1765, during which 40 Parisian judges declared the defendant innocent. Voltaire urgently tried to save the life of Chevalier de la Barre, a 19 year old sentenced to death for blasphemy for failing to remove his hat during a religious procession. In 1766, Chevalier was beheaded after being tortured, then his body was burned, along with a copy of Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary. Voltaire's statue at the Pantheon was melted down during Nazi occupation. D. 1778.
鈥婥e livre de Voltaire consiste en sept contes: 1) La Princesse de Babylone 2) Les Lettres D'Amabed, etc. 3) Aventure de la M茅moire 4) Le Taureau Blanc 5) 脡loge Historique de la Raison: prononc茅 dans une acad茅mie de province 6) Histoire de Jenni ou L'ath茅e et le Sage 7) Les Oreilles du Comte de Chesterfield et le Chapelain Goudman
I have had the privilege of reading some of the finest pieces of literature throughout history. One such remarkable book is "La princesse de Babylone et autres contes" by Voltaire. This collection of stories is a testament to Voltaire's brilliance as a writer, showcasing his profound understanding of human nature and his unmatched wit.
Voltaire masterfully weaves together various narratives in this book, each unique and captivating in its own way. His ability to effortlessly transition between different characters and settings demonstrates his versatility as a storyteller. The stories are filled with clever and thought-provoking dialogues, which kept me engaged from beginning to end.
What truly sets this book apart is its satirical tone, which is a hallmark of Voltaire's work. Through his satirical lens, Voltaire critiques various aspects of society, including religion, politics, and social norms. His sharp observations and cutting humor offer a refreshing perspective, encouraging readers to question their own beliefs and institutions.
Furthermore, Voltaire's writing style is elegant and eloquent, making every sentence a joy to read. His use of imagery and symbolism paints vivid pictures in the mind of the reader, allowing for a more immersive experience. Additionally, his ability to seamlessly incorporate philosophical ideas into his narratives showcases his intellectual prowess.
I also appreciated the underlying themes of individual freedom and the pursuit of happiness that are prevalent throughout the book. Voltaire skillfully challenges the idea of blind obedience and advocates for personal autonomy, which resonated deeply with me as a Harvard graduate who values intellectual and personal freedom.
The characters in "La princesse de Babylone et autres contes" are richly developed and relatable, each embodying different virtues and flaws. Whether it is the titular Shahzadeh Khanoum or the various individuals encountered in the stories, Voltaire captures their essence with precision and realism.
Moreover, the book's historical context adds an additional layer of depth to the narratives. By blending real events and historical figures into his stories, Voltaire provides valuable insights into the political and social climate of his time, sparking discussions on power dynamics and cultural differences.
In sum, "La princesse de Babylone et autres contes" is a literary masterpiece that showcases Voltaire's brilliance as a writer and philosopher. Its satire, intellectual depth, and captivating storytelling make it a must-read for anyone seeking both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. As a Harvard alumni, I highly recommend this book for its enduring relevance and profound insights into the human condition.