Isabella Carter
Voltaire, the pen name of François-Marie Arouet, was a writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian and polemicist of the French Enlightenment. In 1726, Voltaire travelled to England, where he stayed for two years, learning English and mixing with prominent figures in English political and cultural life. During his time in England, Voltaire studied England's constitutional monarchy, its religious tolerance, its philosophical rationalism, and the natural sciences. Voltaire admired the liberalism of English institutions and the freedom of speech that he found there, seeing these as prerequisites for social and political progress. He also praised English equality of taxation and the honourable status of commerce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional monarchy | Voltaire stressed the constitutional nature of the English monarchy and the liberty that flows from a government of law, not whim. |
| Religious tolerance | Voltaire admired the religious tolerance he observed in England, which he contrasted with the French monarchy's abolition of civil religious tolerance for its Protestant minority. |
| Philosophical rationalism | Voltaire was influenced by English philosophical rationalism, particularly the work of John Locke and the English Newtonians. |
| Natural sciences | Voltaire studied the natural sciences during his time in England and later popularized the discoveries of English science in France. |
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What You'll Learn
Voltaire admired the liberty that English law provided
Voltaire, the writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian, and polemicist, spent a few years in England in self-imposed exile. During this time, he studied the English language and mingled with prominent figures in English politics and culture. Voltaire admired the liberty that English law provided, and his time in England proved formative for his philosophical outlook.
Voltaire was struck by the constitutional nature of the English monarchy and the liberty that flowed from a government of law, rather than the whims of the king. He praised the equality of taxation in England, where all were subject to it, unlike in France, where large sections of society, including the Church and the nobility, were exempt. Voltaire also admired the honourable status of commerce in England, which was looked down upon in France.
Voltaire was particularly interested in the religious tolerance he observed in England. He noted that there were thirty religions that coexisted peacefully, and he believed that this was because religion had been adapted to the needs of a commercial Britain, which was emerging from a period of civil war and instability. Voltaire saw this tolerance as a prerequisite for social and political progress and emphasised its importance in his work. He also admired the English for their intrepidity in discussing religious and philosophical questions, and he was especially intrigued by the Quakers.
Voltaire's observations on English life and society were recorded in his work, Lettres philosophiques (Philosophical Letters), which he wrote after returning to France. These letters are a series of essays on the English government and society and are considered a landmark in the history of thought. In them, Voltaire contrasts the English and French systems of government, often to the discredit of his native France.
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He praised the equality of taxation
Voltaire, the writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian, and polemicist of the French Enlightenment, had a profound admiration for the English Constitution, particularly its equality of taxation. In his work, "Lettres philosophiques" or "Letters Concerning the English Nation", Voltaire praised the fairness of the English tax system, where all citizens were equally subject to taxation, in stark contrast to France, where the Church, nobility, certain professions, and even entire cities were exempt, leaving the peasantry burdened with the majority of the tax burden.
Voltaire's praise for equality in taxation was not merely an academic exercise; he recognised the inherent unfairness and inefficiency of a tax system that exempted large segments of society. In France during Voltaire's time, the tax system was characterised by widespread exemptions for privileged groups, which resulted in an uneven distribution of the tax burden. The Church, the nobility, and certain professions were often exempt from paying taxes, which meant that the peasantry bore a disproportionate amount of the taxes. This unfair system likely contributed to the financial struggles of the French peasantry and hindered economic growth by discouraging investment and improvement.
Voltaire's admiration for England's equality of taxation was also influenced by his belief in the importance of religious tolerance and freedom of thought. He recognised that a fair tax system, where all citizens contribute proportionally, is more conducive to a society that values freedom and tolerance. In England, he observed a remarkably different approach to religious tolerance, where multiple religions coexisted peacefully. Voltaire emphasised that religious tolerance was a prerequisite for social and political progress, and England's equality of taxation was a reflection of this progressive mindset.
Furthermore, Voltaire's praise for equality in taxation extended beyond the mere observation of policy. He understood that equality before the law, including taxation laws, was a fundamental aspect of a just and fair society. In England, he witnessed a constitutional monarchy, where laws were made by a representative government rather than the whims of an absolute monarch. This constitutional framework, underpinned by the rule of law, guaranteed equality before the law, including in taxation, ensuring that all citizens were treated fairly and equally, regardless of their social status or religious beliefs.
Voltaire's time in England, from 1726 to 1729, was a formative period for his philosophical development. During this exile, he immersed himself in English culture and intellectual life, learning the language and engaging with prominent figures. He studied the works of John Locke and Sir Isaac Newton, and his interactions with English philosophers and thinkers influenced his belief in the efficacy of reason and the importance of challenging authority through rational discourse. This intellectual environment shaped Voltaire's appreciation for equality of taxation as a cornerstone of a just and progressive society.
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Voltaire appreciated the honourable status of commerce
Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet, was a writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian, and polemicist of the French Enlightenment. He is known for his prolific and versatile writing, having published numerous works in various genres, including books, plays, poems, essays, and polemics.
During his temporary exile in England from 1726 to 1729, Voltaire immersed himself in the country's culture and intellectual circles. He learned the English language and interacted with prominent figures in English political and cultural life, including Alexander Pope, Jonathan Swift, William Congreve, George Berkeley, and Samuel Clarke.
One aspect of English life that Voltaire admired was the honourable status of commerce. In his work "Lettres philosophiques" or "Letters Concerning the English Nation," he contrasted the perception of commerce in England and France. Voltaire observed that in England, commerce was held in high regard, while in France, engagement in commerce was often looked down upon by the aristocracy.
Voltaire recognised the importance of commerce in a society and believed it played a crucial role in the progress and development of a nation. He praised the English for understanding the value of commerce and argued that it contributed to the country's economic growth and prosperity. He also highlighted the impact of commerce on social mobility and the improvement of people's lives.
Furthermore, Voltaire appreciated how commerce fostered peaceful and free assemblies, where individuals could make voluntary choices about their private lives, including their religious practices. He observed that in England, people from different religions coexisted peacefully, and he attributed this partly to the influence of commerce, which encouraged tolerance and mutual understanding.
Voltaire's admiration for the honourable status of commerce in England was not just a passive observation but a deliberate strategy to criticise the shortcomings of his native France. By highlighting the positive aspects of English society, he sought to encourage reform and improve the conditions in France. He believed that commerce should be respected and that economic pursuits could contribute to social progress and the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.
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He was a fan of the peaceful and free religious assemblies
Voltaire, the writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian, and polemicist, was exiled in England from 1726 to 1729. During his exile, he studied England's constitutional monarchy, its religious tolerance, its philosophical rationalism, and the natural sciences. Voltaire admired the liberalism of English institutions, especially the peaceful and free religious assemblies.
Voltaire was exposed to the great philosophical debates of the previous century, new religious philosophies, and the claims of free thought and various heterodoxies. He was attracted to the philosophy of John Locke and the ideas of Sir Isaac Newton. He also met several English intellectuals, including the philosopher George Berkeley and the theologian Samuel Clarke. Voltaire was a frequent visitor to the estate of Lord Bolingbroke, an English aristocrat, freethinker, and Jacobite living in exile in France.
Voltaire's experience in England shaped his understanding of the relationship between religion and the state. He observed the peaceful coexistence of multiple religions in England, noting that "some go to the synagogue; others in search of a drink; some to baptisms; others to circumcisions; and yet others to await divine inspiration in their Church." He concluded that religious diversity was a strength that promoted peace and happiness: "If there were only one religion in England, there would be great danger of despotism. If there were two religions, they would cut each other’s throats. But there are thirty religions, and they live together in peace and happiness."
Voltaire's observations and conclusions about religious tolerance in England influenced his writings, particularly his "Lettres philosophiques" (also known as "Letters Concerning the English Nation" or "Philosophical Letters"). In this work, Voltaire discussed the benefits of religious tolerance and contrasted the English political system, commerce, literature, and philosophy with those of France. He praised England's equality of taxation and the honorable status of commerce, which contrasted with the French system where certain groups were exempt from taxation, and commerce was looked down upon by the aristocracy.
Voltaire's time in England had a profound impact on his intellectual development and his subsequent writings. He idealized English life to some extent, using his observations to criticize and compare the French systems of government and society. His writings contributed to the spread of ideas about religious tolerance, rationalism, and social progress, challenging the assumptions and systems of his native France.
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Voltaire admired the liberalism of English institutions
Voltaire, the writer, philosopher, poet, dramatist, historian, and polemicist, visited England between 1726 and 1729. During his time in England, he studied and admired the liberalism of English institutions.
Voltaire was particularly interested in England's constitutional monarchy and religious tolerance. He emphasised the comfortable lot of the English yeoman, compared with that of the overburdened French peasant. He also praised English equality in taxation, compared with France, where the Church, nobility, many professions, and whole cities were exempt from taxation. Voltaire stressed the constitutional nature of the English monarchy and the liberty that flows from a government of law, not whim. He compared this to France, where laws were passed with the king's formula, "For such is my pleasure".
Voltaire's time in England was formative for his philosophical development. He was exposed to English philosophy, particularly the work of John Locke and Isaac Newton, and he studied England's constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, philosophical rationalism, and the natural sciences. Voltaire's experience in England shaped his belief in the efficacy of reason and social progress through reason. He emphasised the importance of tolerance, especially religious tolerance, and saw these liberal values as necessary prerequisites for social and political progress.
Voltaire's observations and admiration for English institutions are documented in his work "Lettres philosophiques" or "Letters Concerning the English Nation". This work, written after his return to France, compared the French and English systems of government, often to the discredit of his native France. It caused a furore in France, leading Voltaire to take refuge in the château of his mistress, Mme du Châtelet.
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Frequently asked questions
Voltaire's most notable work on England is the Lettres philosophiques (Philosophical Letters), which he wrote after returning to France from exile in England.
Voltaire admired the liberty that comes from a constitutional monarchy, where laws are not made on a whim. He also praised the equality of taxation and the honourable status of commerce in England.
Voltaire admired England's religious tolerance and freedom of speech, which he saw as necessary for social and political progress. He also envied the English intrepidity in discussing religious and philosophical questions.
Voltaire's exile in England from 1726 to 1729 had a significant influence on his work. He studied England's constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, philosophical rationalism, and the natural sciences. He was attracted to the philosophy of John Locke and the ideas of Sir Isaac Newton.
