Voltaire was a French writer who wrote in almost all the literary forms . He was famous for his wit .Today I am giving introduction of this rare book of Voltaire . I am also quoting one article from this book so that readers may get a glimpse of it and may go ahead to read this book if they wish
Article : Self -Love
A beggar in Madrid was asking alms ; a passer-by said to him , “ Are’nt you ashamed to beg like this , when you can work ? “ “ Sir “, replied the mendicant . “ I ask you for money , not advice ,”and he turned his back with true Castilian dignity.The beggar was haughty ; his vanity was easily wounded ; he asked alms out of self -love , and would not suffer reprimand out of even greater self – love.
A missionary in India saw a fakir loaded with chains , naked as an ape , lying on his belly and lashing himself for the sins of his fellows , who gave him coins .” What self – renouncement ! “ said a spectator . “Self – renouncement !” repeated the fakir scornfully , “ I lash myself in this world only to serve you the same in the next when you will be the horse and I the rider .
Whoever said that self -love is the basis of all our emotions and actions was right ; it isn’t necessary to prove that men have faces nor that they possess self -love .It is the instrument of our preservation : it is like a provision for perpetuating mankind ; it is essential , it is dear to us , it is delightful , and it should be hidden .
Book Name – Voltaire’s Alphabet of Wit
Writer - Voltaire
Language – English
Publisher – The Peter Pauper Press , NY
Edited And illustrated by – Paul McPharlin
Publication Year – 1945 , 1946 , 1955
ISBN - NIL
Copyright - Peter Pauper Press
Number of Pages -62
Total Articles - 40
Binding – Hardcover
Price - Not found
Size – 4.2 " x 7.2 "
Presented by - Indukant Angiras
Very nice
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