Voltaire - Read Quotes

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Despite the enormous quantity of books, how few people read! And if one reads profitably, one would realize how much stupid stuff the vulgar herd is content to swallow every day.

Voltaire

His reputation will go on increasing because scarcely anyone reads him.

Voltaire

Verses which do not teach men new and moving truths do not deserve to be read.

Voltaire

Ignorant readers are apt to judge a writer by his reputation. For my part, I read only to please myself. I like nothing but what makes for my purpose.

Voltaire

Let us read, and let us dance—two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.

Voltaire

Books, like conversation, rarely give us any precise ideas: nothing is so common as to read and converse unprofitably. We must here repeat what Locke has so strongly urged—Define your terms.

Voltaire

I read only to please myself, and enjoy only what suits my taste.

Voltaire

Fools have a habit of believing that everything written by a famous author is admirable. For my part I read only to please myself and like only what suits my taste.

Voltaire

I read these words which are the sum of all moral philosophy, and which cut short all the disputes of the casuists: When in doubt if an action is good or bad, refrain.

Voltaire