The Socrates Café — Philosophers Quotes Edition - Oba 7th floor.

This is a new edition of the Socrates cafe with a new format.

In this edition, the moderator will pick a specific quote, topic or question from a known philosophers (example; Voltaire, Kant, Marcus Aurelius, Hypatia of Alexandria, Rousseau, Machiavelli, Descartes, Plato and others).

A summary around a page will be provided in the event (See below - The topic of this Session)

Please take the time to read.

The Moderator will read the summary and give an introduction of the topic. Then, we will have an open discussion, and a final round when everyone will give their conclusions.

The topic of this Session
Voltaire’s quote — "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities."

This quote is a warning about the dangers of blind faith, manipulation, and the power of irrational beliefs to justify violence or immoral acts. Here’s a concise summary of what he meant:

1. Core Meaning
Voltaire argued that if people can be convinced to accept irrational or absurd ideas (e.g., superstitions, dogmatic doctrines, or propaganda), they can also be manipulated into committing harmful or violent actions in the name of those beliefs. The quote highlights how uncritical acceptance of authority or ideology can lead to fanaticism, oppression, and even atrocities.

2. Context in Voltaire’s Work
Targeting Religious Dogma: Voltaire wrote this in "Questions sur les Miracles" (1765), part of his "Philosophical Dictionary", where he criticized religious fanaticism, miracles, and superstition. He saw how blind faith in absurdities (e.g., claims of divine miracles) was used to control people and justify violence (e.g., religious wars, persecution of heretics).
Enlightenment Values: The quote reflects Voltaire’s commitment to reason, skepticism, and tolerance. He believed that education and critical thinking were the best defenses against manipulation.

3. Key Implications
Manipulation Through Beliefs: Leaders or institutions can exploit irrational beliefs (e.g., "divine right," conspiracy theories, or nationalist myths) to control or incite people to act against their own interests or morality.
From Absurdity to Atrocity: Once people accept one irrational idea, they become more susceptible to further manipulation, including justifying violence (e.g., crusades, witch hunts, or modern extremism).
Power of Critical Thinking: Voltaire’s message is a call to question authority, demand evidence, and reject dogma—whether religious, political, or ideological.

About the Philosopher
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltaire

RULES

1. Please be on time! We will start at 15:00 so if you arrive late, please join quietly. If you are a first timer, make sure you take extra time for finding the location.
2. If something unexpected happens, please cancel as soon as possible. There's lovely people on the waiting list
3. If you repeatedly sign up and don’t show up, you can expect to be moved to the waitlist next time.
4. You may disagree with others, but please do so respectfully without personal attacks.
5. Please keep your attendance to one event per week to ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend.

See you soon!