"The Wit and Wisdom of Voltaire" Voltaire, 1925 (No. 160 - Little Blue Book)
 
This collection functions as a curated anthology of Enlightenment-era skepticism and rationalist philosophy, distilled into a series of short essays and sharp-edged aphorisms. It centers on a relentless critique of what the author termed "the infamous thing"- organized religious and political tyranny that suppresses individual thought. Readers encounter a range of themes including the absurdity of blind optimism, the necessity of religious tolerance, and the value of independent reason over cultural dogma. Through a mix of satirical "bons mots" and brief philosophical dialogues, the text challenges the legitimacy of entrenched authorities and mocks the hypocrisy of the ruling classes. Ultimately, it advocates for a practical, self-reliant approach to life, famously urging individuals to turn away from fruitless metaphysical debate and instead "cultivate their own garden"