Define your terms, you will permit me again to say, or we shall never understand one another.
Meaning
In his entry on miracles, Voltaire insists that debate is useless until the words are clear. Many arguments are really about different meanings. Before debating at work or online, ask the other person what exactly they mean by the key word.
Source: Dictionnaire philosophique portatif, "Miracles" (1764)
About the author
(1694–1778) was a French writer and philosopher known for his advocacy of freedom of speech, religion, and expression. His works, including "Candide," critique intolerance and injustice. Voltaire’s wit and intellect made him a key figure in the Enlightenment. His ideas influenced political and social reform. Voltaire’s legacy continues to shape modern thought and values.
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