"Toleration and Other Essays" by Voltaire is a compilation of thought-provoking essays from the 1700s that talks about big ideas. The collection is about accepting different religions, questioning strict beliefs, and thinking about what was happening in society and politics when Voltaire was alive. Each essay strongly argues against being intolerant and supports the freedom to think for yourself, showing how Voltaire helped push for human rights and using reason. The book starts by explaining Voltaire's importance and how he impacted modern thinking. It tells the story of how Voltaire fought for toleration, especially after Jean Calas, a Protestant man, was wrongly killed for supposedly murdering his son. This event shows how dangerous being overly enthusiastic and making mistakes in court can be. Voltaire uses this story to highlight the unfairness of his time and to argue for treating people with more kindness and logic. The story of Calas's trial and death shows how religious intolerance can be harmful, and Voltaire wants people to govern society in a fairer, more understanding way.
Toleration and other essays
By Voltaire
In a time of persecution, a powerful voice rises to champion the unheard, battling injustice and igniting a call for reason and acceptance.
Summary
About the AuthorFrançois-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume M. de Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher (philosophe), satirist, and historian. Famous for his wit and his criticism of Christianity and of slavery, Voltaire was an advocate of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state.
François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume M. de Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher (philosophe), satirist, and historian. Famous for his wit and his criticism of Christianity and of slavery, Voltaire was an advocate of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state.
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