11/1/2007 - Philosophy - Voltaire and Cioran
Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd
French philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) has become the embodiment of the Enlightenment, the philosophical movement that paved the way for our freedom of speech as we know it today (and that we often take too much for granted). To underline this basic human right, the following quote by Voltaire:
Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too
I was struck by the first quote above, because I think doubt is not only a beautiful but also an essential quality in man (and woman). For me doubt is an essential trait; it isn't something that weakens the mind and character, on the contrary; it can only reinforce the mind. I like to be challenged all the time as I don't claim that I know the ultimate truth. The quest for truth is a most fascinating journey, but I know that in the end it will be very hard to find.
When I read this quote by Voltaire, I was reminded of my favourite 20th century thinker/philosopher E.M.Cioran, who defends not only man's right to doubt himself, but even his right to contradict himself at times. I couldn't agree more. Like I said, I don't pretend to know the truth and even though I firmly defend my beliefs, I always like to listen to different opinions, to test and eventually refocus these beliefs. Suppress your certainties, suppress above all their consequences: you will reconstitute paradise, so says Cioran in the first chapter of his landmark book A short history of decay (1949). Note that he uses the word 'certainties' and not 'beliefs'.
Even though he didn't believe in God, Cioran considered man's claim to speak in the name of God and to possess the universal truth as the original sin, the fall from paradise and the beginning of all disaster. So, thanks to Voltaire for placing doubt above certainty, even though I am fully aware it won't regain paradise.
For more Cioran, see entries 1, 9 and 23 November 2006
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