The quote “All the known world, excepting only savage nations, is governed by books” by Voltaire suggests that knowledge, culture, and civilization are fundamentally driven by written works. Books here symbolize the repository of human knowledge, wisdom, and laws that guide societies. They contain the philosophies, principles, and ideas that shape nations, cultures, and civilizations. Without them, Voltaire implies, a society would be ‘savage’ – unrefined, primitive, and uncivilized.

The ‘savage nations’ Voltaire references are those that lack a system of written records or literature. This isn’t to say that such societies are inferior, but rather that they operate differently, often relying on oral tradition and communal memory instead of written laws and records.

In today’s world, this quote can be interpreted to mean that societies are governed not just by physical books, but by all forms of recorded knowledge. This includes digital information, databases, and the internet. These are the ‘books’ of our time, repositories of knowledge that guide and shape our world. When we consider the impact of information technology on our lives, from influencing political elections to shaping public opinion, it’s clear that our world is indeed ‘governed by books’ in the broad sense.

On a personal development level, this quote underscores the importance of continuous learning and knowledge acquisition. Just as societies are shaped by the knowledge they possess, so too are individuals. By reading, studying, and learning, we govern our personal growth and shape our character. We become more civilized, cultured, and refined individuals. This is why education and self-improvement are often seen as the path to personal success and fulfillment.