“Even in those cities which seem to enjoy the blessings of peace, and where the arts flourish, the inhabitants are devoured by envy, cares and anxieties, which are greater plagues than any experienced in a town when it is under siege.”
This powerful observation comes from the sharp mind of Voltaire, a central figure of the Enlightenment. The quote masterfully dissects the human condition. It suggests that external peace does not guarantee internal tranquility. In fact, the opposite can often be true. Voltaire argues that psychological suffering can be far more tormenting than physical hardship. He presents a paradox: a city celebrated for its culture and stability may secretly harbor immense personal turmoil among its people.
At its core, the statement contrasts two different types of conflict. One is the visible, external struggle of a city under siege. This involves clear enemies and shared physical dangers. The other conflict is internal and invisible. It consists of envy, worry, and constant anxiety. Voltaire provocatively calls these feelings “greater plagues.” This is a strong claim. He suggests the quiet erosion of the soul is worse than the loud destruction of war.
The Illusion of Peace and Prosperity
Voltaire begins by painting a picture of an ideal city. He describes a place enjoying “the blessings of peace” where “the arts flourish.” This imagery evokes a society at its peak. We imagine beautiful architecture, thriving theaters, and citizens engaged in intellectual pursuits. It is a portrait of civilization and progress, the very goals the Enlightenment championed. This setting represents the pinnacle of societal achievement, a community free from the brutalities of war and conflict.
However, Voltaire quickly shatters this idyllic image. He pulls back the curtain to reveal a darker reality. Beneath the polished surface of cultural and economic success, a psychological poison spreads. The inhabitants, despite their comfortable surroundings, are not at peace. Instead, powerful negative emotions consume them. This contrast is the central engine of the quote’s power. It forces us to question our own definitions of a successful society and a happy life.
The Internal Plagues: Envy, Cares, and Anxieties
Voltaire identifies three specific internal plagues: envy, cares, and anxieties. Each one targets a different aspect of our inner world. Envy arises from social comparison. In a flourishing city, wealth and status are highly visible. This visibility creates endless opportunities for people to compare their own lives to others. Consequently, this comparison often breeds resentment and dissatisfaction.
Cares and anxieties relate to the pressures of maintaining one’s position and navigating a complex social world. In a competitive urban environment, the fear of failure is constant. Worries about finances, reputation, and the future can become relentless. These are not the acute fears of a soldier in a siege. Instead, they are chronic, low-grade stressors that slowly wear a person down. Voltaire suggests this constant internal battle is more draining than a fight for physical survival because it offers no rest and no clear enemy.
Worse Than a Siege?
The most shocking part of the quote is its final comparison. How can internal anxieties be worse than the horror of a besieged town? A siege involves starvation, violence, and the constant threat of death. Voltaire’s point is not to diminish this suffering. Rather, he highlights the insidious nature of psychological pain. In a siege, the community is united against a common foe. This shared purpose can create powerful bonds and a sense of solidarity. The struggle is communal and the danger is clear.
In contrast, the plagues of envy and anxiety are isolating. They pit neighbor against neighbor and individuals against themselves. There is no camaraderie in this silent suffering. The battle is fought alone, within the confines of one’s own mind. Furthermore, the enemy is abstract and internal, making it impossible to fight directly. This isolation and the endless, unwinnable nature of the struggle are what make it, in Voltaire’s view, a “greater plague.”
Modern Relevance in a Hyper-Connected World
Voltaire’s observation feels more relevant today than ever before. Modern cities are epicenters of art, culture, and economic opportunity. Yet, they are also associated with high levels of stress and mental health challenges. Social media acts as a powerful engine for the envy Voltaire described. We are constantly exposed to curated versions of others’ lives, which can fuel feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, the pressures to succeed in a globalized, competitive economy create immense anxiety. We worry about careers, finances, and our place in the world. The blessings of modern peace and prosperity have not eliminated human suffering. They have simply changed its form. Voltaire’s words serve as a timeless reminder. We must look beyond external indicators of success and tend to the health of our inner lives. Ultimately, true peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of internal tranquility.