Les mortels sont egaux; ce n'est pas la naissance, C'est la seule vertu qui fait la difference.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Equality comes from virtue, not birthright.
- In plain terms
- Being good makes you better than being born noble.
- What can you take from it?
- Merit should define status, not lineage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines worth?
- Is equality achievable?
Another view
This ignores systemic barriers to developing virtue.
More from Voltaire
L'homme est libre au moment qu'il veut l'etre.
Permalink to quote #3 Les anciens Romains elevaient des prodiges d'architecture pour faire combattre des betes.
Permalink to quote #5 C'est un poids bien pesant qu'un nom trop tot fameux.
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