Atheists: Would this quote from Voltaire apply to your way of thinking?

Question

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

Answer 1

Voltaire never actuly said that. the correct quote was from Evelyn Beatrice Hall's 1906 biographical book: The Friends of Voltaire. The quote was in first person and mislead people to think that Voltaire actuly said this. She was more so only summing up Voltaire's beliefs.


I'm not Athiest, but I do believe in that quote. I think more people should too. Belittling wouldn't exist, nor tearing down of others.

Voltaire is my favorite philosophical popularizer. :)

Answer 2

I think that applies to freedom of speech, not the disbelief in god.

And yes you are entitled to say what you wish. However do not forget that others who disagree with you have the same entitlement.

And yes I would defend this right to the death...because once they take away one freedom others are soon to follow.

Answer 3

I agree.

However, do not misunderstand that I will prevent someone from speaking where they should not.

Stand on a public street corner, passing out tracts about your religion, and I will defend your right.

Stand on government property, doing the same, and I will tell you to leave. If you move to the street corner, I will defend your right to stand there. Refuse, and I will call the police.

Answer 4

Why not but this would not apply were you living in, say, Iran and you publicly stated that you were a gay atheist (not that you necessarily are such, just an example). Freedom of speech does not exist everywhere. Religion stamps it out in so many regions. What a disaster for humanity.

Answer 5

Not quite. I suppose they can say what they like, but I won't defend that right to the death. Religion--or freedom of speech--isn't worth dying for in my book. I suppose that's a positively un-American thing to say, but that's how I feel.

Answer 6

Absolutely - everyone has the right to believe whatever they want.

I have no problem with anyone believing whatever they want. My objection to certain religions arises when religionists attempt to teach their beliefs as facts, particularly in schools, and condemn others for not holding the same views.

The imposing of religious views on others, seeking converts by making unsupportable statements such as "non-believers will go to hell" and interfering in political systems by religious groups should be banned.

Answer 7

I don't think anyone is questioning your right to say what you say. I think anyone opposed to your opinion is just exercising their own right.
I would definitely defend (although not to the death) of your right to say anything.

Answer 8

As a Christian I agree with that statement. Of course there are hypocrites who will claim to believe it then threaten to lock you away in a psychiatric ward for what you said.

Answer 9

If you replace the words "disapprove of" with the words "disagree with" that would just about cover it, in my opinion.

Answer 10

this is a way funny question and to the guy who said i want you to shut up before you spread your ignorace go home. ignorant is one of those words that annoys me just like innapropriate i don't know about anyone else but when someone says either of those words i just wanna punch em.