This quote is a profound reflection on the nature of a philosopher. It suggests that a philosopher is not just someone who thinks deeply or theorizes about the world, but someone who is in love with wisdom and truth. The term ‘lover of wisdom’ is a direct translation of the Greek root of the word ‘philosopher’ (philo- meaning love, and -sophia meaning wisdom).
The second part of the quote, ‘which is to say, Truth’, suggests that wisdom and truth are synonymous. This implies that true wisdom lies in the pursuit of truth. It’s not about knowing a lot of facts or being intelligent, but about seeking to understand the fundamental truths of existence.
In today’s world, this idea could be applied in various ways. In the era of ‘fake news’ and misinformation, being a lover of wisdom means not just accepting information at face value, but questioning it, analyzing it, and seeking the truth. It means being critical of what you’re told and not just believing what’s convenient or what fits your existing beliefs.
In terms of personal development, being a lover of wisdom means continuously learning and growing. It means seeking to understand yourself and the world around you more deeply. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being open to new ideas and perspectives. It also means being honest with yourself, acknowledging your flaws and mistakes, and striving to improve.
In essence, to be a philosopher in the Voltairean sense is to be a lifelong learner and truth-seeker, always questioning, always exploring, and never settling for ignorance or falsehood.