Toleration and Other Essays by Voltaire is a collection of philosophical essays written in the 18th century that explores themes of religious tolerance, critique of dogma, and reflections on the social and political context of Voltaire’s time. Each essay serves as a powerful discourse against intolerance and a call for freedom of thought, highlighting Voltaire’s role in advancing human rights and rationalism. The introduction provides context on Voltaire’s work and his influence on modern thought, particularly his contribution to the concept of tolerance. It sheds light on the wrongful execution of Jean Calas, a Protestant falsely accused of murdering his son, illustrating the destructive consequences of fanaticism and judicial error. Through the story of Calas's trial and execution, Voltaire reveals his profound humanitarian perspective, condemning the injustices of his time and advocating for a more compassionate and rational approach to governance.

INTRODUCTION

On Toleration
In Connection with the Death of Jean Calas
short account of the death of jean calas
consequences of the execution of jean calas
the idea of the reformation
whether toleration is dangerous, and among what peoples it is found
how toleration may be admitted
whether intolerance is of natural and human law
whether the romans were tolerant
the martyrs
of the danger of false legends, and of persecution
abuses of intolerance
whether intolerance was of divine right in judaism, and whether it was always practised.
extreme tolerance of the jews
whether intolerance was taught by christ
the only cases in which intolerance is humanly lawful
account of a controversial dispute in china
whether it is useful to maintain the people in superstition
virtue better than science
of universal toleration
ON SUPERSTITION
ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS
article i.
article ii.
article iii.
article iv.
article v.
article vi.
article vii.
article viii.
First Imposture
Second Chief Imposture
Third Chief Imposture
Fourth Imposture
Fifth Imposture
Sixth Chief Imposture
Seventh Chief Imposture
Eighth Imposture
Ninth Imposture
article ix.
THE SERMON OF THE FIFTY
prayer
sermon
First Point
Second Point
Third Point
THE QUESTIONS OF ZAPATA
WE MUST TAKE SIDES;
introduction
i. of the principle of action
ii. of the necessary and eternal principle of action
iii. what is this principle?
iv. where is the first principle? is it infinite?
v. that all the works of the eternal being are eternal
vi. that the eternal being, and first principle, has arranged all things voluntarily
vii. that all beings, without exception, are subject to eternal laws
viii. that man is essentially subject in everything to the eternal laws of the first principle
ix. of the principle of action in sentient beings
x. of the principle of action called the soul
xi. examination of the principle of action called the soul
xii. whether the principle of action in animals is free
xiii. of the liberty of man, and of destiny
xiv. absurdity of what is called liberty of indifference
xv. of evil and, in the first place, the destruction of beasts
xvi. of evil in the animal called man
xvii. romances invented to explain the origin of evil
xviii. of the same romances, imitated by barbaric nations
xix. discourse of an atheist on all this
xx. discourse of a manichæan
xxi. discourse of a pagan
xxii. discourse of a jew
xxiii. discourse of a turk
xxiv. discourse of a theist
xxv. discourse of a citizen
POEM ON THE LISBON DISASTER;
FOOTNOTES: