Voltaire and Lincoln

One of the greatest minds in human history, is Voltaire. Seldom one sees so much energy, so much wit, and clarity in some one's writing. And Voltaire's writings which fill ninety volumes are full of a rare energy and force of mind. There is hardly any other writer whom I enjoy reading more. Voltaire shines and sparkles, be it in his plays, essays, poetry or stories. But, it is not only his writings which make him great but his actions too. Yes, Voltaire was a man of action and throughout his entire life, his actions helped changed the shape of eighteenth century.

This link here, has several interesting writings on Voltaire. I found these on a Freethinkers website. And interestingly, another great human being whom I admire, Abraham Lincoln, was also to be found there. Lincoln is supposed to have been an avid reader and admirer of Voltaire. One of the leading Freethinker and famous orator, Robert G. Ingersoll, spoke at length and wrote about both Lincoln and Voltaire. His two famous lectures on Lincoln and Voltaire can be read here (Lincoln) and here (Voltaire).

Though I don't like the term "Freethinker" (Is there such a thing as "Free thinking" at all? Or is all thought conditioned?) and other such labels having collectivist connotations, still some of the write-ups are interesting and tell one side of the story. I feel that most such writings tend to lean towards some kind of propaganda of "proving" something about the person, which certainly gives the whole thing a twist. Best, I think is to read the person's own works. But often times, as in case of most history, even their authenticity is sometimes doubtful.