Religious Figures · 18th Century
Voltaire’s Last Words
“Now, now, my good man, this is no time for making enemies.”— Voltaire, May 30, 1778
Who Was Voltaire?
Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer and philosopher known for his wit, advocacy for civil liberties, and criticism of religious dogma and institutions. He wrote Candide among many other works.
The Final Moments
Voltaire's final words were reportedly spoken to a priest who arrived to give last rites and asked him to renounce the devil. The remark exemplifies his lifelong irreverence toward the Church.
Are These Words Verified?
This quote is almost certainly apocryphal, appearing in later anecdotal collections without contemporary documentation. No witness present at Voltaire's deathbed reported these words, and modern biographers classify it as legend.
Sources
- other Various 18th-century anecdotes
- biography Ian Davidson, 'Voltaire: A Life'
- other No contemporary firsthand accounts
Legacy
Voltaire's advocacy for freedom of speech, religion, and tolerance made him a founding figure of Enlightenment thought and modern liberalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Voltaire’s last words?
“Now, now, my good man, this is no time for making enemies.”
How did Voltaire die?
Voltaire died on May 30, 1778 at the age of 83. Cause of death: Fever.
Were Voltaire’s last words documented?
This quote is almost certainly apocryphal, appearing in later anecdotal collections without contemporary documentation. No witness present at Voltaire's deathbed reported these words, and modern biographers classify it as legend.
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