“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.” -Voltaire
Voltaire
(1694-1778) was among the most influential writers in France during his life.
As a free-thinking philosopher, poet, and playwright, Voltaire constantly
challenged and subverted the repressive measures used by the Church and State
of both France and Europe. Given his strong opposition to these forms of repression,
it doesn’t come as a shock to read his derogatory argument against mankind in
his essay titled “Policy” (or “Politique”).