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C'est une grande question parmi eux s'ils [les africains] sont descendus des singes ou si les singes sont venus d'eux. Nos sages ont dit que l'homme est l'image de Dieu: voila une plaisante image de l'Etre eternel qu'un nez noir epate, avec peu ou point d'intelligence! Un temps viendra, sans doute, ou ces animaux sauront bien cultiver la terre, l'embellir par des maisons et par des jardins, et connaitre la route des astres il faut du temps pour tout.

Voltaire#45

ReligionVoltaireHumanityEqualityRacism

About this quote

What does it mean?
Voltaire mocks racial prejudice by contrasting religious claims of divine image with physical stereotypes.
In plain terms
He mocks the idea that only some people look like God.
What can you take from it?
Prejudice based on appearance is foolish and will fade with time.

Where it applies

  • debating race
  • discussing religion
  • fighting stereotypes

Putting it to work

  • reject racial stereotypes
  • value education

Questions to consider

  • How do we define human value?
  • Does appearance matter?

Another view

The quote relies on outdated language and generalizations.

More from Voltaire

  1. La vie est herissee de ces epines, et je n'y sais d'autre remede que de cultiver son jardin.

    Permalink to quote #44
  2. On dit que Dieu est toujours pour les gros bataillons.

    Permalink to quote #46
  3. Il est bien malaise (puisqu'il faut enfin m'expliquer) d'oter a des insenses des chaines qu'ils reverent.

    Permalink to quote #43

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