Letters On The English Or Lettres Philosophiques Book

The letters had as French title: Lettres Philosophiques ("Philosophical letters" ).



These are a collection of letters regarding England in its many facets (religious, political, scientific and cultural). A 18th century Britain, Voltaire had been in for some time (1726-1729).

At least seven of the letters are dedicated to the religious issues. They touch on the diversity witnessed by the French philosopher. He would call it "a nation of sectarists".



The very first letters are a sort of analysis of the (and meeting with) proponents of a, then, powerful movement/sect called the Quakers. They were persecuted under Charles II and they managed to convert some of the soldiers of Cromwell, who quit service and refused to take oaths.

Their belief was as radical and basic as this: it had been 1600 years of corruption, of the true teachings of Christ; one who never baptized, but was baptized by John. Quakers followed Christ, not John.

Voltaire met with one young Quaker man called George Fox: he would never "swear".

And yet, Voltaire highlighted their overseas impact. I am referring William Penn (most "hated by the protestants") , who inherited "very large possessions (south of Maryland)" and established Quakers power in America; in Pennsylvania, namely . Voltaire says at that time "Philadelphia city was flourishing".



Some other letters are an approach to other sects (the Unitarians, the Socinians, the Arians, the Antitrinitarians…), yet, outstanding: The Church of England, whose "true religion is the sect of Episcopalians".

Differing from France's "training", all the clergy is educated (with "few exceptions") in Oxford and Cambridge. Voltaire still mentions the Presbyterians, somehow similar to Calvinism, the established religion of Scotland.



The topic then moves into politics ---government, parliament and the monarchy---, having said, nevertheless, that the capital (London) was a place of "corruption and depravity".

His political analysis is positive and with some taint of praise, because he considers the English "the only people" putting "limits" to the powers of the king. Voltaire traces some parallels with the Roman system, yet, the latter ended up in "slavery" , while the British system in "liberty". The House of the Lords and the Commons divide the legislative power with the King.



On trade and commerce, Voltaire praises the "English superiority over the seas": "trade enriched the citizens in England so it contributed to their freedom".

One letter approached the "inoculation" topic; it seems, at that time, the English were deemed to be "fool" , because "they give to children" , early on, the small pox to "prevent them catching it". The English called the Europeans "unnatural and coward".



Maybe the best topics concern Philosophy (Science too) especially when Voltaire makes the difference between French Descartes and the British Newton. Where one sees ""impulsion" to explain motion, the other (Newton) sees "attraction" . These are "contradictory men". Voltaire would develop at length the major contributions of Newton in the fields of "the laws of gravitation, optics and the 'infinities of geometry". But his fellowman Descartes is always a counter point to this peaceful-existence character called Newton. Descartes had been accused of "atheism"; left France, and for some time lived in Sweden; upon returning to France had to pay his "fees".

Other "famous personages" are commented upon, namely "the acute logician" Locke, and Lord Bacon, the father of "the experimental Philosophy".

The remaining letters approach comedy and tragedy, Voltaire's translation work, and his critical views on Shakespeare ("natural and sublime" but "not a single spark of good taste"). Other "men of Letters" are mentioned with special attention to Pope: "one of the most amiable English poets". Money for determining the "longitude" …and the Royal Society are the concluding topics.





Dear Sir, Voltaire,

More than 200 years on I would like to tell you: freedom still reigns in the UK. Since your 18th century, much has happened in those fields you approached in your letters.

In 21st century Britain, The Queen is still sovereign; the government and the parliament are elected bodies. You would be delighted to know about 19th century themes such as "species evolution" by Charles Darwin, or the Industrial Revolution. Or, the expansion of the British Empire to the point of the "sun never being set", in its various longitudes.


Yet, The Empire is gone. The "little" island which you've visited still stands, though some political changes have occurred. The Irish got their independence as a nation. The Scotts had a few months ago a referendum on independence. Not yet gained, so the results said.

You would be surprised to know about the number of mosques in England; yet you would get terrified on the number in France. Here, in England, there are people from all over the world.



The capital city is still "busy as usual". Can you imagine a few days ago I got to know that in 10 years' time the one percent richest doubled their wealth?.. and 80 billionaires, it happens, do live in the little place "of corruption and depravity" you were in?



Well, May coming, there will be elections; freedom to vote. It's likely the conservatives will stay in power. Yes, the Tories. You wrote about them… and about the "Whigs".



Recently one "Labour man" acknowledged/suggested "the Dome" (it wasn't there in the 18th century!!!) was superfluous spending.



I end my letter with a letter from the book of Robert Blatchford ("Merrie England"):

"Dear Mr Smith, I am sorry to hear that you look upon socialism as…senseless thing and upon socialists as wicked or foolish men".

Au revoir, monsieur François-Marie Arouet.
I'll keep you posted.

April 25th, 2015.

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Dear Sir, Voltaire

Hope you're in good health. [Yeah, National Health was a big topic of the campaign!]

Just to inform you the conservatives have won the election; maybe, most important, the Scottish party had a great increase in seats gained (from 6 to 58).

As I was writing down this piece it was said that only "10 seats" are missing for a conservative majority.

Things haven't changed that much, right?
Maybe not.

Regards,
May 8th, 2015

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Dear Sir, Voltaire



I know you like images with portent; I've seen in it "winds of change"; I'm sure you'll be able to decipher the symbol. The guy on the picture just won the Labour leadership, past this week.

Say something,... if you want.
Meanwhile, I promise, I'm your postman.

All the best,
September 19th, 2015

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Dear Sir,
-ça-va?

Hope you're fine. Just to inform you the UK runs the risk of pulling OUT of the European Union. You cannot imagine how it has been: thousands of refugees from Africa and Asia and the Middle East flooding in this our continent, and how much disunion it has surfaced between Europe's nations on this matter. The euro mess persists. Some other time, I promise, will tell you about the Syria question. Truly messy.



Hope you'll reply soon; meanwhile, you know me, I'll keep you posted.

Cheers!

October the 17th 2015

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Sir, take a look at this:




Sir, a majority has voted for attacks on ISIL (397 versus 223 votes). ISIL is a so-called State inside present day Iraq and Syria, with aspirations for a world caliphate, allow me to update you.

It just happened, a galvanizing speech by Labour shadow foreign secretary Mr B. He said his party leader (the one above, in the picture, near the socialist symbol) was not a "terrorist sympathizer" but a "decent man"; yet, this time around Mr. B will support a military action in Syria (contrary to his party leader view); he sees it as a similar situation to the time when the parliament stood up "against Hitler and Mussolini". It has now a UN resolution supporting it.

But this same day I got to know the view of a French journalist who had been for months kept captive by ISIL; and you know what he said: just don't bomb it (ISIL): it's a trap.

So, you figure…

All the best
3rd December 2015

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Sir, just to wish you Happy New Year!

Terrible floods, it's been.
I'll be back; I want to tell you something interesting about Manchester. You'll have a perspective on what's to be in year 2016.

Cheers!
4th January 2016

PS Sir, I wanted to ask about your aesthetic preferences; so, which one of these paintings do you prefer?




As soon as you've made up your mind and choice, just let me know; I will certainly reply; immediately. Right, they're both related to Manchester city.


---
Sir,

I am still waiting for your art (sort of) judgment, ...but have you heard about that discussion in the UK parliament (yeah, the Commons) about that American candidate for the presidency called Trump (of Scottish breed, on the mother side); the list of adjectives is so funny: "idiot", "narcissist" , "buffoon"..., and "a wazzock".

Just tell me what you make of this,... and of freedom of speech.

All the best.

19th January 2016

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Sir,
a quick note, typical of my times: check on the Boris effect,... and the Brexit; I'll be back.
Cheers!

23rd February 2016

Sir,
A referendum on the Britain's membership in the EU,will be held on 23rd of June, this year. I'll keep you posted, meanwhile. Chances are...


27th February 2016

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Dear Sir,
Check on this interactive stuff:
"What a difference 400 years makes: the London skyline 1616 v 2016 - interactive"
in:

à tout à l'heure!
3rd of March 2016
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Sir, ...on the "Boris effect",

He's been saying interesting things regarding this "thing" called EU. The "thing" (my expression) is taking away money from the nations, and control...;it's an "anti-democratic" thing, Boris contends; so, he's pro "vote Leave",....that thing.

The visit of the US president to the UK won't change his mind. Mind you, the president is a "stay-in -EU" man. But Boris has found a "paradox" recently and wrote about it: "There is no country in the world that defends its own sovereignty with such hysterical vigilance as the United States of America", so why should the US meddle with the UK right to decide, its own liberty??.

No wonder some are telling the visiting president: "butt out".

What do you thing think, Sir, about the thinkthing?

Regards.

PS; I am adding a picture of London in the near future; maybe too ugly terrifying?or?...,You tell me.


22nd April 2016

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Sir,take a look at this quote:
"a reptile ... just fit now, after being twice discarded by the people, to become a Conservative. He possesses all the necessary requisites of perfidy, selfishness, depravity, want of principle, etc., which would qualify him for the change. His name shows that he is of Jewish origin". Yes, April 1835, it was Irish MP Daniel O'Connell who wrote it , about D'Israeli, one who would become UK's prime minister.
Anti-semitism is not a new thing. It seems these past days the issue has surfaced almost uncontrollably inside the Labour. Corbyn, the leader, has been trying hard to suppress the old problem (and racism too); some heads are rolling already. But this photo tells something, though:


(Corbyn, at a pro-Palestinian rally in London, 2014; he once said that Hezbollah and Hamas are his "friends")

Sir, tell me about,... if you may.
All the best.

3rd of May 2016
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Sir,

You surely recall I told you about Mosques in the UK, ...and in France. Well, just to inform you: London has just elected a Muslim mayor. As I read in the LBR*, it's "symbolic", though it won't last long, thus wrote Fatema Ahmed. She wrote : "The symbolism of Khan's win will soon fade, and politics as usual will resume.". But, no one doubts, it's a major change. The discordant voices can be heard: "London is in trouble", says Graham Moore, of the English Democrats party, accusing the elected mayor of having "stood with extremists".

Whatever..., Sadiq Khan promised to be the Mayor of all Londoners. We shall see what to make of this man "of British-Pakistani origin". Truly, times have changed.



Cheers!
7th of May 2016

*London Review of Books

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Sir, I forgot about this next photo, so I'm adding it now, for a better clarification of the "total picture"; you know.



Cheers again!
8th of May 2016
---

Sir,
todie,ugh,I mean, today, I read these amazing news about the white cockneys of London's East End, now a minority,being replaced in the past 15 years by migrants. Yeah,do you remember NEWHAM???
Just imagine the Drew primary where throughout its corridors one can hear 43 languages being spoken,...what a sort of Babel.

Hope you wont day, ugh,die,....it's a new world.

Wishes of perennial health,....

14th of May 2016

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Sir,

You certainly recall the american presidential candidate Trump, I told you about; a "wazzock", some in the UK called him, trying to ban him from entering into the kingdom of her/his Magesty. At that time Trump was calling for a ban on muslims entering the USA. The UK's PM said it was "stupid,....devisive". And you know what,...Trump now says HE'S BEEN INVITED TO VISIT 10th DOWNING ST.
Can you believe it?!??

I can.


Kind regards,

22nd May 2016
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Sir,

Again the EU-thing. Yesterday, I was informed that, they [EUthingers!!] , EU officials, more than 10,000 are paid above the UK PM salary [£142,000]. And the number of allowences?? you cannot imagine!!! Even free Viagra!! Some day I will explain you about the Viagra. No time now.

Have a good day!

25th May 2016
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Sir,

Just to recall the 1994 referendum in Norway,on joining the EU. The "No" won, yet many acknowledge today that the "Yes" side used lots of lies in the campaign; like: jobs to be lost, no investment, interest rates going up, an isolated Norway, ...the EU not listening to "us". It just DIDN'T HAPPEN!! Norway today is better OFF. OFF the EU. As the 23rd of June draws nigh people shouldn't forget the past, even fear campaigns and all types of CONbos, say, like cheaper roaming charges.



Kindest regards

28th May 2016

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Sir,

What a letter!!! I mean, not mine, but the one by Justice Secretary Mr Gove and Mr Boris Johnson, to Dave, the PM; accusing him of "lies" on immigration (this is really a hot, hot topic now, for all of Europe, not just the UK) and "basic lack of democratic consent", and a lot more on that creepy thing called EU. You should read it; I'll provide you with a "link", just in case you ask...

I'm so eager about this ref's...you cannot imagine.

Cheers!!

6th June 2016
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Sir, when you see many threats that may mean "pressure" and "fear", on the side of the established order, or putting it in other words: the EU Fat Cats fear a certain lifestyle to be gone.

See these examples. Today I've seen a poll suggesting the Danes are in majority pro, leaving the EU. Some days ago I had read that some Germans wanted Britain to stay, while others were threatening with a "no second chance" and "Calais protection" to disappear.

Today France was threatening to make Britain "pay" in the case of exit. And yesterday I watched a former PM of Britain speaking about the "economic aftershock" that will ensue, just in case the Leave wins.

So much fear. So many threats. It's the contagion effect they fear, also. One nation leaving may lead to others leaving too.

One great enthusiast of the Leave campaign put it this way the (BR)exit scenario: ….[it] would spark an exodus by "many other countries", bringing an end to "the entire European project".

I'll keep you posted, Sir.

9th June 2016

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Sir,

Though not a British citizen, I'm proud of that flag...,
just to tell you on the EU Referendum: the Leave won!



Can you believe it? I can, though many (especially the pollsters---someday will explain it to you) still had it for granted: to stay in,...kind of , to stay put.

I'll be back on the issue; it seems by now a 51,9 % win isn't bad; other European nations have been keen on listening/reading about the results.



BRAVE NEW WORLD Europe ENGLAND!
Haha!!

As I read today: "See EU later!"

24th June 2016

Sir,

I know about "Anti-'Brexit' protest hits London"; and about "Londindependence" and petitions,....and stuff alike.
But the Leave won; just like that.



Long lives the Brexit!
Cheers!
28th June 2016

Sir,
Italians are using Britain's flag to protest EU ruling. Nice summer in their beaches. Hope you're having a good one too. I hope you read Italian:"La Brexit in versione ligure...". Seeya.
4th August 2016