https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-voltaire-library--7196115enPhilosophyPublic domainhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/85203d64eec8de3afbb916095c5877aa.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-voltaire-library--7196115Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:30:20 +0000VoltaireGood Old Classicsfeeds@spreaker.comWelcome to The Voltaire Library, where every work is read in full, every argument is given its voice, and no cherished opinion is entirely safe. Bring your curiosity, leave your certainty at the door, and discover why ideas have always been the most...false095ece33-6695-57d2-ac67-acb14760baf9serialhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-introduction--73132936https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132936Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:34:33 +0000VoltaireIn which the young François Marie Arouet, later known as Voltaire, is introduced through the early contours of his life—from his Jesuit education and poetic endeavours to his sharp pen that led to imprisonment and exile. It is during his stay in...428false11fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-i-on-the-quakers--73132949https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132949Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:30:03 +0000VoltaireIn which a curious observer visits a venerable Quaker, a man of serene demeanor and austere simplicity, to inquire into the doctrines and customs of this peculiar sect. The Quaker expounds upon their rejection of outward rites, their plain speech and...887false12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-ii-on-the-quakers--73132937https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132937Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:30:04 +0000VoltaireIn which a curious visitor accompanies a Quaker to one of their silent meetings near The Monument, observing the peculiar customs of spontaneous, unmediated expressions of faith devoid of priests or formal clergy. The discourse reveals their belief in...432false13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-iii-on-the-quakers--73132938https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132938Sat, 01 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000VoltaireIn which the curious rise and peculiar practices of the Quakers are examined, tracing their origins to George Fox—a humble but fervent preacher whose spirited defiance and peculiar gestures earned his followers their distinctive name. Their steadfast...671false14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-iv-on-the-quakers--73132946https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132946Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:30:04 +0000VoltaireIn which the curious rise and endeavours of William Penn, that singular Quaker sovereign of Pennsylvania, are recounted with a mixture of admiration and gentle irony, painting a portrait of a man both devout and pragmatic amidst the religious tumult...771false15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-v-on-the-church-of-england--73132941https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132941Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:30:05 +0000VoltaireIn which the diverse sects of England are observed with a particular emphasis on the established Church of England, whose members hold significant sway in public offices and maintain a curious blend of ancient rites and legal dependence. The character...507false16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-vi-on-the-presbyterians--73132950https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132950Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:30:05 +0000VoltaireIn which the customs and character of the Presbyterian Church in the British Isles are examined with a keen eye on their austere manners and contrasts to the Anglican clergy, revealing a sect marked by severity and modesty. The peaceful coexistence of...299false17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-vii-on-the-socinians-or-arians-or-antitrinitarians--73132942https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132942Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:30:04 +0000VoltaireIn which Voltaire reflects upon the resurgence of Arianism in England and beyond, observing the sober debates of learned men who challenge orthodox views on the Trinity with a mixture of reason and mathematical rigor. He muses lightly on the...341false18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-viii-on-the-parliament--73132955https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132955Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000VoltaireIn which the English Parliament is examined with a discerning eye, contrasting its constitutional balance and civil discord with the tumultuous and sanguine history of ancient Rome and contemporary France. The discourse reflects on the English triumph...533false19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-ix-on-the-government--73132940https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132940Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:30:05 +0000VoltaireIn which the historical evolution of England’s government is explored, revealing the turbulent struggles between kings, barons, bishops, and the Commons, and how liberty gradually emerged from the conflicts and concessions among these powers. The...747false110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-x-on-trade--73132956https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132956Sat, 22 Aug 2026 18:30:04 +0000VoltaireIn which the industrious spirit of English commerce is observed to nurture both national wealth and liberty, raising the island nation to a formidable naval power that extends its influence across distant seas. The letter contrasts the practical...310false111fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-xi-on-inoculation--73132939https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132939Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:30:02 +0000VoltaireIn which the curious custom of inoculating children with small-pox to prevent a more violent contagion is traced from the distant Circassian mountains to the courts of England, revealing a practice born of maternal love and commercial prudence. The...779false112fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-xii-on-the-lord-bacon--73132960https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132960Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000VoltaireIn which the author contemplates the grandeur of minds like Sir Isaac Newton, and introduces the illustrious Lord Bacon—whose life intertwined profound philosophical innovation with the intrigues of courtly disgrace. This letter unfolds Bacon’s...871false113fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-xiii-on-mr-locke--73132943https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132943Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:30:03 +0000VoltaireIn which the nature of the soul is examined through the lens of Mr. Locke’s measured philosophy, juxtaposed against the extravagant and often contradictory assertions of ancient and ecclesiastical authorities. Voltaire gently reveals how Locke’s sober...1189false114fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/letters-on-england-letter-xiv-on-descartes-and-sir-isaac-newton--73132952https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73132952Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:30:02 +0000VoltaireIn which a French observer contrasts the contrasting philosophies and lives of Descartes and Sir Isaac Newton, reflecting upon the shift from Cartesian vortices to Newtonian attractions that mark the English and French schools of thought. The letter...909false115full