SUMMARY
The quote "I do not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" is commonly misattributed to Voltaire. In reality, it was first articulated by Evelyn Beatrice Hall under the pseudonym Stephen G Tallentyre in her 1906 work, The Friends of Voltaire. This phrase serves as a paraphrase of Voltaire's views on free speech, particularly reflected in his Essay on Tolerance, where he emphasizes the importance of independent thought and the right to differing opinions.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of literary attribution and misattribution
- Familiarity with Voltaire's works, particularly Essay on Tolerance
- Knowledge of historical context regarding free speech
- Awareness of Evelyn Beatrice Hall's contributions to literature
NEXT STEPS
- Research the original texts of Voltaire, focusing on Essay on Tolerance
- Explore the life and works of Evelyn Beatrice Hall
- Investigate the impact of misattributed quotes on public perception
- Learn about the history of free speech advocacy and its key figures
USEFUL FOR
Students of literature, historians, and individuals interested in the evolution of free speech concepts will benefit from this discussion.
