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Surely no phrase has logged more miles in the promotion of ideological liberty than Voltaire’s famous statement, “I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.” It is the gold standard for quotations mustered in defence of free speech.

Today, with the cultural appropriation debate casting a long shadow across Canadian journalism and public discourse, our need for the 18th century French philosopher’s commitment to free expression is more pressing than ever. How might we harness Voltaire’s spirit of tolerance in these politically correct times?

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tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Peter Shawn Taylor: Voltaire wasn't prepared to die defending the right to free speech, but we can still learn from him Back to video

Well, we might start by getting the facts straight about Voltaire’s iconic line. In fact, early 20th century biographer E.B. Hall fabricated the claim that Voltaire was prepared to die defending the right of others to disagree with him. Such a claim was actually wholly out of character for Voltaire. But in the 1930s, Reader’s Digest published the statement as a “Quotable Quote,” which led to it being repeated by columnists and editorial writers for generations. “That line is the bane of Voltaire scholars around the world,” sighs Alan Charles Kors, a Voltaire scholar and historian at the University of Pennsylvania. “He never said it. And further, it’s not even a Voltairian sentiment.” The reason why is of great relevance today.