Life Is Thick Sown with Thorns, and I Know No Other Remedy Than To Pass Quickly Through Them

Voltaire

“On meurt deux Source fois, je le vois bien : > > Cesser d’aimer & d’être aimable, > > C’est une mort insupportable : > > Cesser de vivre, ce n’est rien.”

The Origin of Voltaire’s Philosophy on Life’s Challenges

Voltaire‘s perspective on navigating life’s hardships has intrigued scholars and enthusiasts alike. The phrase, often attributed to him, suggests that life is filled with difficulties, and the best approach is to move swiftly through them. This sentiment appears in Louis Mayeul Chaudon’s 1785 biography of Voltaire. However, questions about its authenticity arise since it never appeared in Voltaire’s own writings during his lifetime.

Voltaire | Biography, Books, Philosophy, Religion, & Facts | Britannica‘s notion of life’s thorny nature is believed to have first emerged in Chaudon’s “Mémoires Pour Servir à L’Histoire de M. Source de Voltaire.” When translated into English in 1786, it became: “Life, said Voltaire, is thick sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them.” This translation, found in “Historical and Critical Memoirs of the Life and Writings of M. de Voltaire,” highlights the challenges of verifying historical quotes. The biography’s reliability depends on Chaudon’s research accuracy .

Exploring Voltaire’s Authentic Correspondence

Although the famous quote is not found in Voltaire’s lifetime works, a letter he wrote in 1769 contains similar imagery. This letter, published in the twelfth volume of his complete works, uses the metaphor of life’s thorns. Voltaire writes, “La vie est hérissée de ces épines, et je n’y sais d’autre remède que de cultiver son jardin.” Translated, this reads, “Life is bristling with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to cultivate one’s garden.”

The garden metaphor resonates with Voltaire’s philosophy in “Candide.” In the tale, the protagonist concludes, “we must cultivate our garden,” suggesting a focus on tangible actions over abstract speculation. This alignment between the letter and “Candide” supports the idea that Voltaire endorsed practical solutions to life’s inevitable challenges.

The Enduring Legacy and Circulation of the Quote

The thorns metaphor gained traction in English-language publications throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1786, “The Political Herald, and Review” reprinted the quote, contributing to its widespread recognition. By 1817, “The Scots Magazine” offered a slightly altered translation, using “all bristling” instead of “thick sown.” Such variations did not diminish the quote’s impact.

Throughout history, the quote appeared in various forms. In 1850, Reverend Daniel Wise included it in “The Young Man’s Counsellor,” further cementing its association with Voltaire. The phrase continued to be cited in works like Maturin M. Ballou’s “Edge-Tools of Speech” in 1886 and “The New Dictionary of Thoughts” in 1927. Even in modern compilations, such as Mardy Grothe’s 2008 book, the quote persists, highlighting its lasting influence.

Recommended Reading & Resources

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Conclusion: Voltaire’s Pragmatic Approach

Though we cannot confirm with absolute certainty that Voltaire authored the exact phrase, the evidence suggests he likely inspired it. His writings and correspondence reveal a consistent use of the thorns metaphor when discussing life’s challenges. Whether advocating for cultivating one’s garden or moving swiftly through difficulties, Voltaire’s philosophy emphasizes action over despair. This pragmatic approach continues to resonate, offering timeless wisdom for navigating the thorns of life.