Episodi

  • Letters on England Letter VIII - On the Parliament

    Letters on England Letter VIII - On the Parliament
    Aug 16 2026
    In which the English Parliament is examined with a discerning eye, contrasting its constitutional balance and civil discord with the tumultuous and sanguine history of ancient Rome and contemporary France. The discourse reflects on the English triumph in securing liberty through measured resistance, setting it apart from other nations’ uneasy struggles and more ignoble ends.
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    9 min
  • Letters on England Letter VII - On the Socinians, or Arians, or Antitrinitarians

    Letters on England Letter VII - On the Socinians, or Arians, or Antitrinitarians
    Aug 13 2026
    In which Voltaire reflects upon the resurgence of Arianism in England and beyond, observing the sober debates of learned men who challenge orthodox views on the Trinity with a mixture of reason and mathematical rigor. He muses lightly on the capricious tides of opinion and the curious fact that even the most illustrious philosophers struggle to found lasting sects in an age wearied by spiritual contention.
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    6 min
  • Letters on England Letter VI - On the Presbyterians

    Letters on England Letter VI - On the Presbyterians
    Aug 10 2026
    In which the customs and character of the Presbyterian Church in the British Isles are examined with a keen eye on their austere manners and contrasts to the Anglican clergy, revealing a sect marked by severity and modesty. The peaceful coexistence of diverse religious sects in England is celebrated as a foundation for liberty and social harmony amidst the bustling commerce of London.
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    5 min
  • Letters on England Letter V - On the Church of England

    Letters on England Letter V - On the Church of England
    Aug 7 2026
    In which the diverse sects of England are observed with a particular emphasis on the established Church of England, whose members hold significant sway in public offices and maintain a curious blend of ancient rites and legal dependence. The character of the English clergy is contrasted with that of their French counterparts, noted for their moral strictness, academic reserve, and the absence of the more libertine ecclesiastical types common abroad.
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    8 min
  • Letters on England Letter IV - On the Quakers

    Letters on England Letter IV - On the Quakers
    Aug 4 2026
    In which the curious rise and endeavours of William Penn, that singular Quaker sovereign of Pennsylvania, are recounted with a mixture of admiration and gentle irony, painting a portrait of a man both devout and pragmatic amidst the religious tumult of his age. The narrative wends through his youthful conversions, princely receptions, and wise laws, unto the gradual ebbing of Quaker influence in England—a quiet commentary on the vicissitudes of sect and society.
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    13 min
  • Letters on England Letter III - On the Quakers

    Letters on England Letter III - On the Quakers
    Aug 1 2026
    In which the curious rise and peculiar practices of the Quakers are examined, tracing their origins to George Fox—a humble but fervent preacher whose spirited defiance and peculiar gestures earned his followers their distinctive name. Their steadfast refusal to compromise their beliefs amidst harsh persecution and their eloquent plea for conscience and truth ultimately tempered the hand of the crown.
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    11 min
  • Letters on England Letter II - On the Quakers

    Letters on England Letter II - On the Quakers
    Jul 29 2026
    In which a curious visitor accompanies a Quaker to one of their silent meetings near The Monument, observing the peculiar customs of spontaneous, unmediated expressions of faith devoid of priests or formal clergy. The discourse reveals their belief in direct divine inspiration and a communal sharing of spiritual duties, challenging conventional religious hierarchies with a fervent simplicity.
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    7 min
  • Letters on England Letter I - On the Quakers

    Letters on England Letter I - On the Quakers
    Jul 26 2026
    In which a curious observer visits a venerable Quaker, a man of serene demeanor and austere simplicity, to inquire into the doctrines and customs of this peculiar sect. The Quaker expounds upon their rejection of outward rites, their plain speech and garb, strict pacifism, and heartfelt spirituality, all delivered with a gentle sincerity that invites reflection on the nature of true religion.
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    15 min