Book Recommendation: Voltaire – The Adventures of Freedom

Catholic Voltaire? The designation raises a few surprises, but it is absolutely correct, especially in the literal sense, because Voltaire was a baptized Catholic. When, in 1755, he decided to end his “wandering life” once and for all by moving to Geneva permanently, he had to ask a Calvinist friend so that he could purchase the estate of Les Délices. Had he not known Calvini, a deal would not have been possible. Voltaire was not allowed to own any property in the territory of the Protestant Republic of Geneva precisely because he was an official Catholic. It was a paradoxical setback, however annoying, that must have been his amusement. After all, even Diderot could write, with rather pedantic accuracy, of himself “born into the Catholic Church”, although everyone knows Diderot was a recognized atheist. However, Voltaire also uses the title “Catholic” to describe him Logic formalism Or, more precisely, one of his works logic formula applicable. Voltaire was undoubtedly a free thinker, but he never ignored the Church. To be sure, his biblical criticism was harsh. But such attacks were effective precisely because they were based on a wonderful interpretive culture – among all the philosophers of the time, none matched Voltaire in his knowledge of Christian doctrine. one of logic formula. Voltaire was undoubtedly a free thinker, but he never ignored the Church. To be sure, his biblical criticism was harsh. But such attacks were effective precisely because they were based on a wonderful interpretive culture – of all the philosophers of his time he did not match Voltaire in his knowledge of Christian doctrine.

German historian Volker Reinhart tells the story of a freedom adventurer who, in a world full of crises, cultivated his garden with a sharp mind, scathing mockery and benevolent tolerance, raising a mirror to our times. Reinhart re-read the monumental works and sources and discovers an expert in the arts who has always considered escape routes. Voltaire became rich because he cheated a lottery, researched nature with a physicist, deceived the court community of Versailles, angered Frederick the Great, fought the dishonest church, exposed legal scandals and persecuted Rousseau with boundless derision.

To take notes:

Volker Reinhardt: Voltaire. Freedom Adventures, CH Beck Verlag, Munich 2022.

Mario Galgano review.

(Vatican News)