This quote, “Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities,” means that if someone can convince you to believe in something ridiculous or nonsensical, they can also manipulate you into committing horrific acts. It’s a commentary on the power of persuasion and the dangers of blind faith or unquestioning obedience.

The ‘absurdities’ Voltaire refers to can be anything irrational, untrue, or simply nonsensical. These are ideas that, under normal circumstances, a person would dismiss. However, if someone manages to convince you to believe in these absurdities, it shows they have significant influence over your thought process.

The ‘atrocities’ then, are the terrible actions that one might be manipulated into performing as a result of these absurd beliefs. This part of the quote warns of the potential for manipulation to lead to harmful or destructive behavior.

Applying this concept to the modern world, we can see examples in the spread of misinformation and ‘fake news’. If people are convinced to believe in false information, they can be led to act in ways that are harmful to themselves or others. For instance, believing in unfounded conspiracy theories can lead to violent acts or social unrest.

In terms of personal development, the quote can serve as a reminder to critically analyze information before accepting it as truth. It encourages skepticism and independent thought to avoid being manipulated by others. It emphasizes the importance of education and reasoning in forming our beliefs and actions, rather than blindly following what others say.

In essence, the quote is a warning against the dangers of manipulation and the importance of critical thinking. It highlights the potential harm that can come from believing in ‘absurdities’ and the importance of questioning and verifying information before acting upon it.