From Wikipedia: “François-Marie Arouet …; 21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778), known by his nom de plume Voltaire…, was a French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church, and his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and separation of church and state. Voltaire was a versatile writer, producing works in almost every literary form, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works. He wrote more than 20,000 letters and more than 2,000 books and pamphlets. He was an outspoken advocate, despite the risk this placed him in under the strict censorship laws of the time. As a satirical polemicist, he frequently made use of his works to criticize intolerance, religious dogma, and the French institutions of his day.”
Below are several Voltaire quotes I selected for your consideration.
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PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS 
He was a great one for uttering statements that made TERRIFIC quotes ! All are frighteningly relevant today; in this country, the one I fear most is the fourth.
Reblogged this on PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS and commented:
Voltaire died in 1778. Please read his quotes and see if they are relevant today.
Love Voltaire and like all the great philosophers his words are as pertinent today as they were the day he wrote them. Your snapshot of quotes are SO relevant to the world today. Great post!
They are all just as pertinent. But the one that currently stands out to me is: “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.”
Yes, Greg. It stands out for me too. This was the way Stalin kept his power for many years. They taught that he was “Father, Teacher and Friend” of everybody.
Somehow he replaced God and people were killing millions of innocents following his orders.
“Opinion has caused more trouble on this little earth than plagues or earthquakes.” Yep.
Great quotes! I think I like the first best.