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About this quote

What does it mean?
Voltaire argues that nature itself suggests the existence of a supreme intelligence.
In plain terms
The order in nature shows that a powerful being must exist.
What can you take from it?
Observing the natural world can lead to conclusions about design or order.

Where it applies

  • natural theology
  • philosophy
  • science

Putting it to work

  • studying nature
  • arguing for design

Questions to consider

  • Does nature prove a creator?
  • What do you see in the order of things?

Another view

Modern science explains natural order through evolution rather than a supreme intelligence.

More from Voltaire

  1. Si Dieu n'existait pas, il faudrait l'inventer.

    Permalink to quote #48
  2. Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien.

    Permalink to quote #50
  3. C'est une plaisante chose que la pensee depende absolument de l'estomac, et malgre cela les meilleurs estomacs ne soient pas les meilleurs penseurs.

    Permalink to quote #47

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