Showing results by author "Voltaire Voltaire" in All Categories

In this tale of Jeannot and Colin, Voltaire not only tells an instructive tale, warning of the dangers of sudden wealth and social climbing, but also directs his satirical comments at the vacuous and fickle nouveau riche of his day, the catholic church, private education, and society in general. Jeannot and Colin are childhood friends. Both come from working-class backgrounds in a rural part of France, but Jeannot's parents, on a trip to Paris, strike it lucky in business and within a short time become very wealthy.

First published in 1752, "Micromegas" is one of Voltaire’s best-known works. It is a tale of mordant irony, and actually the original science-fiction short story. Arriving on Earth from the star Sirius, the gigantic explorer Micromegas discovers the people of Earth, so small compared to him that he first believes that no creature this size can hope to achieve any degree of intelligence; he will soon discover the ways and thoughts of these diminutive people, who clearly have an over-inflated idea of their own importance in the universe. Voltaire's extrapolations of sun-powered interstellar flight, alien civilizations, and the two moons of Mars, are designed to make us see ourselves in a new light and laugh at what we find.

Raised by her grandparents when her mother chooses drugs over her daughter, Erin knows she isn't like other kids. Then, her world is shaken a second time by her mother's reappearance. Being a teenager is never easy, but just when Erin thinks she has her life on track, her mother shows up and warms her way back into Erin's life. Can an addict really ever kick the addiction? How many lives will drugs destroy?

Conte philosophique considéré comme l'un des chefs-d'œuvre de Voltaire, "Candide" frappe par sa légèreté, et sa justesse. Le héros est un jeune homme crédule à qui son précepteur, Pangloss, inculque une théorie très simpliste sur l'optimisme. Les mésaventures du jeune héros mettent à mal cette doctrine. Cela permet à Voltaire de se moquer de toutes les théories métaphysiques qui ne résistent pas à l'épreuve des faits.

In this audiobook, I read 33 classical French poems. The majority are read twice: once slowly - so you can repeat after me - and once faster, with my personal interpretation of the poem. I will also sometimes tell you about the author, or explain the vocabulary or the meaning of the poem, all in easy everyday French. Musset, Rimbaud, Baudelaire, La Fontaine, Labbé, Valéry... A collection of 33 of the most famous French poems.

"600 Quotations from French Philosophy" is a collection of thoughts and reflections from six of the greatest French thinkers of all time. France’s influence on Western philosophy cannot be understated, from the Age of Enlightenment through to the founding of modern philosophy. Many of these quotes have as much resonance today as they did when they were first coined. Superb for dipping in and out of, there are more than a few thoughts in this book worth memorising, and even more that are sure to inspire.

Candide is a French satire first published in 1759 by Voltaire, a philosopher of the age of enlightenment. It begins with a young man, Candide, who is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated with Leibnizian optimism by his mentor, Professor Pangloss. The work describes the abrupt cessation of this lifestyle, followed by Candide's slow and painful disillusionment as he witnesses and experiences great hardships in the world.

Mysteries come in all sorts, and this collection of seven short stories reflects that, from hidden temples beneath the sea, to worlds discovered through a microscope. Murderers, ghosts and demons can also be found in this collection. The stories included are: "The Temple", "To Prove an Alibi", "The Diamond Lens", "The Adventure of the Red Circle", "An Episode in a Lodging House", "How Siva Spoke", and "The Nail."

Pangloss would have been right at home in a post-truth, social media world. You can imagine the tweets, “I was hanged and survived #soggyrope,” or, “#nosyphilisnochocolate.” Candide, written in 1759, was never more relevant than today. Blind obeisance and denial, barbarous villainy, greed, and rapacity, are all in a day’s toil for the young Candide. And this is in the best of all possible worlds!

Après avoir échoué dans sa collaboration à l'Encyclopédie, Voltaire conçoit l'idée de condenser dans un seul ouvrage l'essentiel de ses pensées philosophiques.

Candide is a relentless, brutal assault on government, society, religion, education, and, above all, optimism. Dr. Pangloss teaches his young students Candide and Cunegonde that everything in this world is for the best, a sentiment they cling to as the world steps in to teach them otherwise. The novel is brilliant, hilarious, blasphemous. . . and Voltaire never admitted to writing it!

A obra reúne três poemas extraordinários do historiador, filósofo iluminista e poeta francês François-Marie Arouet, universalmente conhecido por seu pseudônimo: Voltaire. E mais: a poesia aqui selecionada teve a tradução de outro gênio: o poeta português Bocage. São estes os textos que o leitor encontrará neste volume: "O templo de amor", "Episódio de La Henriade" e "O combate de Ailly com o filho na batalha de Ivri".

French philosophy has been led on by three most influent thinkers, each one bordering on literature and bringing new understandings to politics, philosophy, and religion. Michel de Montaigne is known for popularizing the essay as a literary genre; his style merges casual anecdotes and autobiography with deep intellectual insights. His "Essays" are among the most influential ever written; one can recognize Montaigne's direct influence on great literary figures all over the world.

Candide is characterized by its tone as well as by its erratic, fantastical, and fast-moving plot. A picaresque novel with a story similar to that of a more serious coming-of-age narrative, it parodies many adventure and romance clichés, the struggles of which are caricatured in a tone that is bitter and matter-of-fact. Still, the events discussed are often based on historical happenings, such as the Seven Years' War and the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Micromegas: A Philosophical History by Voltaire, in this illustrated edition, offers a satirical and philosophical journey through the cosmos. Originally written in 1752, this short story is a reflection of Voltaire's wit and Enlightenment ideals. The narrative follows the adventures of Micromegas, an extraterrestrial being from a distant star, as he travels through the universe. Micromegas encounters various civilizations, engaging in conversations that serve as a vehicle for Voltaire to critique human nature, society, and the limitations of knowledge.

What is the best way to approach an attractive lady? How do you get her attention? What should you say? How do you ask for her phone number? Some guys are so good-looking that girls naturally flock to them. Other guys, who are not as genetically blessed, have to use courage, humor, intelligence, psychology, and resiliency to attract beautiful women.

Known as the "Age of Enlightenment", the 1700s were a time that provoked significant leaps in philosophical thought. Most importantly, the thinkers of the time espoused the virtues of happiness, the evidence provided by the senses, and the distance between organised religion and the state. "400 Quotations from the Philosophy of the Enlightenment" offers a fascinating insight into the philosophical revolution that was taking place during the 18th century. It is ideal for those needing an extra bit of motivation throughout their day.

Take a tour through nine of the finest minds of all time, with "900 Quotations from Modern Philosophy". With words of wisdom, reflections, and observations on everything from life and love to death and hatred, and everything in between, this is a superb book for those looking for inspiring and self-questioning thoughts to gain a new perspective on our existence. A superb read for fans of modern philosophy and those who simply want something fascinating to dip in and out of.

"De toutes les superstitions, la plus dangereuse, n'est-ce pas celle de haïr son prochain pour ses opinions ?" S'attaquant à toutes les formes de fanatisme, Voltaire s'attache dans ce brillant exposé à réhabiliter Jean Calas, protestant accusé à tort d'avoir tué son fils afin qu'il ne se convertisse pas au catholicisme.

"Tratado sobre la tolerancia" es una obra escrita por Voltaire en 1763 en la que se defiende la importancia de la tolerancia religiosa y la libertad de conciencia. En el tratado, Voltaire critica el fanatismo religioso y la violencia que se ejerce en nombre de la religión, y defiende la necesidad de separar la religión de la política.