“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.”
François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was a titan of the Enlightenment. He championed reason, justice, and freedom of speech. While many know his satirical masterpiece Candide, this poignant verse reveals a more personal philosophy. It explores the profound difference between the end of life and the end of living.
This Voltaire (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) quote translates to English as:
“We die twice, I see it well:
To cease to love and to be lovable,
That is an unbearable death:
To cease to live is nothing.”
Here, Voltaire presents a powerful argument. He suggests that the true tragedy is not physical death. Instead, the most painful end is an emotional and social one. It is a death of the spirit that occurs long before the body fails.
The Two Deaths: A Spiritual vs. Physical End
Voltaire’s concept of a “double death” is a striking piece of insight. He separates our existence into two distinct parts: the biological and the emotional. The biological part simply involves being alive. However, the emotional part involves connection, passion, and engagement with the world and with others. For Voltaire, this second part is what truly defines a meaningful life.
He calls the loss of love and lovability an “unbearable death.” This is a strong choice of words. It suggests a state of suffering worse than non-existence. To live without affection, connection, or the ability to inspire it in others is, in his view, a hollow and painful experience. Consequently, the final act of ceasing to breathe becomes insignificant by comparison. It is merely the end of a body, not the end of a spirit that has already withered.
This idea was revolutionary. It placed immense value on the quality of one’s earthly life. This contrasted sharply with earlier views that often prioritized the afterlife over present happiness. Voltaire encourages us to focus on cultivating love and human connection while we are here.
Why Love and Lovability Matter
The quote cleverly uses a dual condition: to cease loving and to cease being lovable. This is not a passive state. It implies a person who has closed themselves off from the world. They no longer offer affection, and in turn, they no longer receive it. This self-imposed isolation is the core of the spiritual death he describes.
Losing the capacity for love means losing empathy, compassion, and joy. Source Furthermore, becoming unlovable suggests a loss of kindness, charm, and the very qualities that draw people together. It is a descent into bitterness or apathy. This state of emotional emptiness strips life of its color and purpose. Modern research supports this view. Indeed, experts have found that strong social ties are critical for both mental and physical well-being. .
An Enlightenment Perspective on a Meaningful Life
This quote is a perfect reflection of Enlightenment thought. The 18th-century movement, also known as the Age of Reason, championed humanism. Thinkers like Voltaire shifted focus away from divine mandate and toward human experience. They believed reason and empirical evidence were the best tools for understanding the world. Therefore, a good life was not just about preparing for heaven; it was about creating a better, more fulfilling existence on Earth.
Voltaire’s verse elevates human relationships to the highest importance. It suggests that our connections with others are the primary source of meaning. Physical existence without love is just an empty shell. This humanist idea challenged traditional religious dogma. It empowered individuals to define their own purpose through their actions and affections.
Moreover, the quote speaks to the Enlightenment value of individualism. Your ability to love and be loved is deeply personal. It depends on your character, your choices, and your engagement with society. It is a life you actively build. The unbearable death, then, is a failure of the self. It is a failure to participate in the rich tapestry of human connection that makes life worth living. For Voltaire and his contemporaries, a life well-lived was an active, passionate, and engaged one.