“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.”
This poignant verse from Voltaire, a leading figure of the Enlightenment, offers a profound insight into his philosophy. The lines translate to: “We die twice, I see it clearly: To cease to love and be lovable is an unbearable death; to cease to live is nothing.” With this powerful statement, Voltaire distinguishes between the end of physical life and the end of a meaningful existence. He argues that a life without love, connection, and social value is a death far more terrifying than our biological end. This idea forms the bedrock of his thoughts on happiness and temperance.
Indeed, understanding this perspective requires a glimpse into the man himself. Source François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), was a French writer and philosopher. He championed reason, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance. . His work often criticized the injustices of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church. Consequently, he used satire and wit to expose hypocrisy and advocate for a more rational, humane world.
The True Death: Losing Our Humanity
Voltaire’s verse forces us to confront what truly matters. The “unbearable death” is not the cessation of breath but the loss of our capacity for affection and connection. To stop loving is to lose a fundamental part of our emotional lives. Furthermore, to stop being “aimable”—lovable or likable—is to become isolated from society. This social death represents a state of being where one no longer contributes to or receives the warmth of human relationships. For Voltaire, this isolation was the ultimate tragedy.
He believed that our purpose is found here on Earth, not in a hypothetical afterlife. Therefore, the quality of our current existence is paramount. A life devoid of love and friendship is an empty one. It is a hollow shell that precedes the body’s inevitable decay. This focus on earthly fulfillment underscores his practical approach to philosophy. He was less concerned with abstract metaphysics and more interested in how we can live better, more meaningful lives in the present moment.
Temperance as the Guardian of Love
How does this connect to temperance? Voltaire saw moderation as the key to preserving the very things that make life worth living. A life of excess, whether in passion, ambition, or consumption, ultimately destroys our ability to love and be loved. For example, unchecked ambition can lead to cruelty, alienating us from others. Unrestrained indulgence can ruin our health and judgment, making us less pleasant companions. Temperance, in contrast, is not about self-denial but about balance.
It is the practice of managing our desires so they do not consume us. By practicing moderation, we protect our relationships, maintain our health, and keep our minds clear. This allows us to remain engaged, empathetic, and “aimable” members of our community. Therefore, temperance is not a restrictive cage but a guiding principle that helps us navigate life without succumbing to self-destructive impulses. It is the practical tool for avoiding the “unbearable death” of social and emotional isolation.
Cultivating Happiness in Our Own Garden
Voltaire’s philosophy of happiness is famously summarized in his satirical novella, Candide. After witnessing endless disasters, the characters conclude, “we must cultivate our garden.” This statement is not a call for retreat from the world. Instead, it is a powerful metaphor for finding happiness in meaningful work, tangible goals, and close-knit community. It suggests that grand, abstract pursuits of happiness are often futile. True contentment comes from focusing on our immediate sphere of influence.
Cultivating a garden requires patience, hard work, and moderation. You cannot overwater the plants or neglect them. Similarly, a happy life requires a balanced approach. It involves nurturing our relationships, engaging in productive activities, and finding pleasure in simple, sustainable sources. Voltaire’s philosophy suggests a direct correlation between this kind of moderation and sustained happiness, which stands in stark contrast to the fleeting highs and crushing lows of a life built on excess.
Ultimately, Voltaire teaches us that happiness is not something to be found but something to be built. It is the result of conscious, temperate choices. By avoiding the extremes that lead to ruin and isolation, we can focus on what truly enriches our lives: love, friendship, and purposeful work. In doing so, we not only avoid the unbearable death of the spirit but also build a life of genuine, lasting joy.