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About this quote

What does it mean?
A clever remark does not prove a factual argument.
In plain terms
Wit does not equal proof.
What can you take from it?
Distinguish between wit and evidence.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • argument discussions
  • social media

Putting it to work

  • seek evidence
  • avoid logical fallacies

Questions to consider

  • Is wit valuable in logic?
  • When does humor help?

Another view

Sometimes wit reveals truths that data misses.

More from Voltaire

  1. En effet, l'histoire n'est que le tableau des crimes et des malheurs.

    Permalink to quote #41

  2. Il est bien malaise (puisqu'il faut enfin m'expliquer) d'oter a des insenses des chaines qu'ils reverent.

    Permalink to quote #43

  3. J'ai toujours fait une priere a Dieu, qui est fort courte. La voici: Mon Dieu, rendez nos ennemis bien ridicules! Dieu m'a exauce.

    Permalink to quote #40

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