Voltaire Quote

“We are all full of weakness and errors, let us mutually pardon each other our follies. It is the first law of nature.”

Voltaire

~ Voltaire
[François Marie Arouet] (1694-1778) French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher

Civilization , Individual Rights , Justice , Law , Society , Tolerance , Civil Rights

Ratings and Comments

Anne, Hamburg 6/11/10

This humbleness displayed by one of the great thinkers of the past would become us very well, too.

Mike, Norwalk 6/11/10

(-; I like it ;-) I don't believe that it is the first law of nature but it is a non-dispensable principle of any benevolent law abiding society.

Justin, Elkland 6/11/10

0 for 3 today.

Waffler, Smith 6/11/10

Some pardon is necessary, I can't go whole hog on this quote. I like it that Mike seems to like "law abiding society" but he hates law enforcement. As you know Mike I seldom comprehend you. Allowing for some doubt and leaway for errror and pardon is necessary.

Mike, Norwalk Waffler, Smith 8/19/21

Waffler; “Law” has a broad nomenclature that divides into multiple political philosophies (including applications), many temporal images, diverse understandings, scores of mental aberrations, and an exponentially expanding difference of systems / exercises / administrations. “Law, in its most general and comprehensive sense, law signifies a rule of action; and this term is applied indiscriminately to all kinds of action; whether animate or inanimate, rational or irrational.” (Bouvier’s Law Dictionary) Law's attributed source, helps define subsequent philosophical applications as well as the applied system of law and justice. – By example:

1.) “the laws of nature and of nature’s God” (Declaration of Independence {a limiting static recognition of natural law, subject nomenclature animating an umbrella of that which is eternal and absolute in nature} natural law – the intended jurisprudence of the de jure States united). Infinite and unwavering rules of nature are categorically understood through assessable proficiencies such as gravity, physics, math, ultimate science, life, liberty and property (an Iroquois Federation measure, the constitutional law of the land). The source is nature, beyond man’s capacity or potential to create - natural order / law (that which veraciously defines inalienable right and liberty).

2.) Legal Positivism; Legal Positivism is arbitrary, “An arbitrary law is one made by the legislator simply because he wills it, and is not founded in the nature of things;” (Bouvier’s Law Dictionary) – Legal Positivism is most often “used in opposition to natural law” (Bouvier’s Law Dictionary). The source is corporeal or carnal man’s intent and resolution to control.

3.) Legal Realism; Legal Realism is arbitrary and habitually time/situation fleeting, instituted by any source, at any time regardless of natural law or legal positivism (executive, judicial, personal, etc.). The source is corporeal or carnal man’s intent and resolution to control.

4.) etc.

Waffler, "law enforcement" at Constitutional law is an oxymoron. How can one enforce gravity, science, life, etc. — no one can (on topic, justice is another matter). Law enforcement is tyranny under an arbitrary and despotic philosophy of unconstitutional legal positivism, legal realism, etc.

jim k, Austin,Tx 6/11/10

To forgive the follies of the Bush administration and the Obama misfits strains me to no end. If Pelosi and the gang where where they ought to be, they would all need a "pardon".

Mike, Norwalk jim k, Austin,Tx 8/19/21

jim, there is an absolute difference between forgiving the individual as averse to the act. Bush(s), Obama and the current CCP's criminal puppet that would be king/god's administrations are felonious assaults on all things associated with the laws of nature and of nature's God (Declaration of Independence) / constitutional law. The quote goes to forgiving such criminals (even when serving their well deserved sentences) while changing the body politic back to a representative republic of servants from the now occupying statist theocracy infesting this land with such extreme tyranny, blood and lies.

J Carlton, Calgary 6/11/10

Great quote among civilized peoples. But I will pardon nothing from communists who wish me to be part of the ant hill mentality.

Mike, Norwalk 6/11/10

To further explain my comment: "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Matt 5:44) It is up to me, if there be malice in my heart, to forgive. I believe the quote's use of the term pardon was meant to mean forgive not the legal / justice use of the term. There is a huge difference between forgiving and at justice pardoning. I can love someone in jail that has wronged or, have no malice towards someone I am defending myself against (such as the statist theocracy that is now infesting this land, another foreign despot, or a criminal act) Personally, I'm on the path of what should be while that little carnal man inside is screaming "let me out, let me out !" ;-)

Laura, NYC 6/11/10

Another really good one -- worthy of being added to my own quote list.

RBESRQ 6/11/10

What the hell are you talking about America is closer to communism than any other industrial nation - you have sold your soul to the devil and become wage slaves; you are manipulated so easily by the media; you wave the flag with hate in your heart; your discourse is unethical and malicious; you allow religion into politics; you allow our nation to be taken over by corporations, crooked politicians, and the military industrial complex; you have forgotten what this nation was founded on; you committed genocide to get what you want and then turn around and kick out the people you stole the land from; you lack any compassion; and, the list goes on. Yes - you are doomed. Our system has run it course and there is no light (yet) at the end of the tunnel. How can you forgive a nation that killed a million people when they knew they were about to surrender. The karma is coming back to haunt the American nation. The first law of Nature is to survive - nature knows nothing about pardon or forgiveness. The thought is good but has little relevance in a world of greed and survival. Yes, I'll forgive you minor stuff but if you dare touch my loved one forgiveness isn't an option. What creates wars and misery is not revenge but greed and power hungry megalomaniacs. Revenge, forgiveness, and pardon, is only a very small part of our daily lives so to that I will agree with Voltaire on that, but, not with the big picture, that's a different animal.

Mike, Norwalk 6/11/10

Robert, well said. Your comment addressed the more broad sentiment of most individuals and, certain aspects of justice' eternal mandates. At least one exception, 'Our' (my and your - individually) system, that of individual sovereignty, expressed in a representative republic, has not run its course but, has been replaced with despotism's compelled compliance, license, victimless crimes, larceny with impunity and a whole host of other criminal activities. Different religions, philosophies, and persuasions all come to the same observed conclusion using different ideology of terms.

Abigail, Newport 6/11/10

Judith, New Mexico 6/12/10

RBESRQ, for what it is worth, I liked your response and agree with you. There are unforgivable crimes, and better to carry the grudge. The wound must still smart in order to protect one against a faulty memory.

Wayne, Naples 6/14/10

jim k, Austin 8/20/21

Voltaire Quote

“We are all full of weakness and errors, let us mutually pardon each other our follies. It is the first law of nature.”

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