What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly—that is the first law of nature.

About Voltaire

François-Marie Arouet (French: [fʁɑ̃swa maʁi aʁwɛ]; 21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778), known by his pen name Voltaire (, US also ; French: [vɔltɛːʁ]), was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher (philosophe), satirist, and historian. Famous for his wit and his criticism of Christianity (especially of the Catholic Church) and...

More quotations from Voltaire

The progress of rivers to the ocean is not so rapid as that of man to error.

—Voltaire

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

—Voltaire

There are some that only employ words for the purpose of disguising their thoughts.

—Voltaire

thoughts

So many men so many questions.
(Quot Homines Tot Sententiae)

—Voltaire

questioning

When faced with sexism or ageism or lookism or even really aggressive Buddhism, ask yourself the following question:"Is this person in between me and what do I want to do?" If the answer is no, ignore it and move on. Your energy is better used doing your work and outpacing people that way. Then, when you're in charge, don't hire the people who were jerky to you.

—Voltaire

prejudice

History

7 Aug 2015 Added
26 Oct 2026 Wording changed

Previous wording

What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other's folly — that is the first law of nature.