It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.
Meaning
From his history of the age of Louis XIV, Voltaire warns that challenging respected authorities costs the challenger. Wisdom includes timing and courage: when you disagree with a powerful group, gather evidence first and raise it calmly, in the right setting.
Source: Le Siècle de Louis XIV (1752)
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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