Voltaire is a French writer and philosopher whose work “Philosophical Letters” has become one of the greatest works of the eighteenth century. “Letter on Inoculation” contains arguments on vaccination at the time when the English adapted the new method of curing smallpox. Voltaire supported the enlightenment in “Letter on Inoculation” through reason, happiness, and art.
Voltaire’s dedication to enlightenment can be seen through reason in his arguments. He presented the story of Lady Montagu and many other examples of successful inoculation practices in China, Turkey, and, most recently, England. Voltaire, through his argument, shows that adapting practice that has been implemented successfully somewhere else might be reasonable. Voltaire insists that people suffering from smallpox without any treatment are more significant than the number of people who died from the injection (16). Such a reasonable comparison is also an example of an enlightened philosopher’s thinking.
The “Letter on Inoculation” presents arguments tied to the enlightenment’s postulate on happiness. Happiness is an abstract term understood differently worldwide. Voltaire wrote the letter in England, where the happiness for people was education. He showed his ability to think critically by presenting arguments in both English and French, but he also led the desire to learn something new by charitably looking at ideas of English adoption of vaccination. Hence, he showed that vaccination brings happiness and a healthy nation by the end of his writing, which are the main factors for enlightenment.
Voltaire praises beauty and its importance which represents his dedication to enlightenment. The enlightenment period was not only about education but also a time when art flourished. Well-known artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and others left their mark on the human history of art. They were making art during the enlightenment in Europe, and this time is remembered through their works today. Their results show that the beauty of a human being is an art that gives the ultimate aesthetic experience. Voltaire similarly praises the beauty of Circassian daughters and the importance of keeping them healthy (Voltaire, 8). These arguments show that he was dedicated to enlightenment through the ability to value art and beauty.
To conclude, Voltaire was dedicated to enlightenment which can be seen in his “Letter on Inoculation.” The arguments in the letter show that he put rationality above all, and culture was of reason. He also values human happiness, which includes health and the desire to be educated. Both virtues were discussed in his writing. Voltaire also mentions the importance of beauty, which, as it is known from the enlightenment’s art, is an essential part of that time.
Work Cited
Voltaire. The Works of Voltaire, Vol. XIX (Philosophical Letters). E. R. DuMont, 1733. Online Library of Liberty. Web.