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“Voltaire’s principle” (freedom of expression)

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In her book “The Friends of Voltaire” (1906), Evelyn Beatrice Hall describes Voltaire’s attitude to the censorship and burning of Claude-Adrian Helvétius’ book “De I'Esprit” as :

« I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it »

She does not specifically claim that he actually said that, nor does she quote her source. Voltaire died in Paris in 1778 and she was writing in the 20th century.

It is interesting to note that throughout the book, Hall presents Voltaire as a man of dialogue. On the presentation page of the book, she indicates the following citation :

« “II faut que les âmes pensantes se frottent I'une contre I'autre pour faire jaillir de la lumière”.

Voltaire : Letter to the Duc d'Uzès, December 4, 1751. »

Here is the link :

http://archive.org/details/cu31924027451032/page/n227/mode/2up

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Thanks Banjo Paterson- good explanation. Kudos.

Thank You Banjo Paterson for the link.

Talking about freedom of speech. The following
link of Voltaire's is apt here:

"O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous."

___________________________________________________________________

Dear David F.,

Talking about Prince Charles?

Royal biographer Penny Juror tell us that there is a
"very, very little chance" that Prince Charles wouldn't
become king.

She says that:

He's been preparing for it for the last 70 years. An
abdication is only possible if Prince Charles's popularity
amongst the public deteriorates during the Queen's
death which is unlikely. And because in a Constitutional
Monarchy - the position of monarch is based on hereditary.
The tradition will be followed.

__________________________________________________________________

I watched the "Platinum Party at the Palace" last night on
Channel 7. Wow! It was spectacular!

The Brits certainly
know how to put on a Royal Spectacle! Totally awesome!
Not only the setting - the IMAX Screen in front of Buckingham
Palace, all the various bands and singers and celebrities
taking part, but the costumes, the screen imagery, and the
huge, huge, crowds making up the audience.

Then the Royals
themselves, including the kids - what an evening! The excitement
was palpable. The speeches were also very fitting. I especially
liked Stephen Fry's - prior to introducing Prince Charles.
Prince William made a great impression with his concern about
the environment. A truly memorable night!

And the Jubilee Celebrations will continue this week.
The Queen did not attend the concert last night (it was a very
long night) but according to Prince Charles she watched it
being filmed live on TV.

The concert on Channel 7 was followed by a film on Her
Majesty's life - previously unseen material - which was
interesting as well. Historical and memorable events for so many
people who lived during those times. Treasured memories.

Hey Foxy,

"Sex pistols?
My favourites are - "Queen." And of course Freddie Mercury
was hard to surpass. Still Sir Rod Stewart can hold his own
as well. He'll be singing at the concert for the Queen on
Sunday."

I was never really into the Sex Pistols all that much, but I've always been a bit of a stirrer.
- Which is why I shared both of songs I did.
Queens not too bad, but I was never really all that fond of Rod Stewart.
I'm funny with music, I can appreciate many different types.
I tend to be more interested in the songs themselves rather than those who perform them;
- And I kind of like upbeat music more than I do boring or depressing songs.

The American Revolution was, I believe, successful in getting rid of a king. I believe it would better if all the wasteful burden of royalty were eliminated. I would not replace royalty by a ceremonial head of state. If an event is important enough the prime minister or president could attend. If it is not important enough she or he can designate somebody else to go. I would eliminate state funerals. Why should the likes of Kerry Packer be honoured with one? A notable person can be remembered in the hearts and minds of those fellow citizens who deem that person worthy of remembrance.

I see no point in Australia becoming a republic if the vestiges of royal pomp are retained. Government which has power over the destiny of the subjects is a serious matter. It should be conducted in an atmosphere of republican simplicity.

Hi Armchair Critic,

Yes, music affects me in different ways as well.
It depends on my mood, the occasion, and where I am.
I love a wide variety of music from Country, to Rock,
to Gospel, to Disco, to Latin American, and even
Church Music can bring tears to my eyes. I remember watching
the funeral of Prince Philip. The music played was beautiful
and very moving. Also the old classics bring back so many
memories and uplift the soul.

On the other hand - I remember walking into a Bikie funeral
quite by accident - at Springvale Cemetery here in Melbourne.
We were there just after a friend's funeral. The bikie
funeral was electrifying . All the bikes lined up and being reved.
The casket with a lightning stripe down one side. Heavy metal
music being played. I got goose bumps. And the guys were so
nice to talk to. It was quite an experience. A positive one.