It is vain for the coward to flee; death follows close behind; it is only by defying it that the brave escape

It is vain for the coward to flee; death follows close behind; it is only by defying it that the brave escape

Voltaire, the renowned French philosopher and writer of the Enlightenment era, was a firm believer in the power of courage and defiance in the face of adversity. His works often reflected his views on the importance of standing up to challenges and facing them head-on, rather than succumbing to fear and running away.

The quote, “It is vain for the coward to flee; death follows close behind; it is only by defying it that the brave escape,” perfectly encapsulates Voltaire’s philosophy on bravery and resilience. In his eyes, running away from danger or difficult situations only delays the inevitable, while confronting them with courage and determination is the only way to truly overcome them.

Voltaire’s own life was a testament to his belief in the power of bravery. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks throughout his career, including imprisonment and exile, he never wavered in his commitment to speaking out against injustice and promoting freedom of thought. His most famous work, “Candide,” is a satirical novel that explores the idea of optimism in the face of adversity, and the importance of maintaining one’s principles in the face of hardship.

In the context of Voltaire’s philosophy, the quote can be interpreted as a call to action for individuals to confront their fears and challenges with courage and determination. By standing up to adversity and refusing to be intimidated by it, one can ultimately triumph over it and emerge stronger on the other side.

Voltaire’s emphasis on bravery and defiance as a means of escaping death can also be seen as a metaphor for the human experience as a whole. In the face of the inevitable challenges and uncertainties of life, it is only by confronting them with courage and resilience that we can truly live fully and authentically.