Philosophical Letters

Author's name: Voltaire

The more you fight an idea, the stronger and more popular it becomes. This was the case in the early eighteenth century, when the French authorities tightened the noose on Voltaire and subjected his book, “Philosophical Letters,” to censorship and burning. This book, which was considered in France at the time to be contrary to religion, inciting atheism, and undermining the social order, was written by Voltaire during his stay in exile in England, motivated by his observation of the vast gap between English and French societies in more than one respect. Thus, these enlightening messages come loaded with comparisons related to the governmental and parliamentary systems, church and priestly life, as well as scientific and academic aspects and what relates to the system of sponsorship of arts and literature in both countries. In the most provocative letters, Voltaire praises English figures such as Newton and English experiments such as the Quakers, while also attacking French figures such as Descartes and the theologian Blaise Pascal.