“We must cultivate our garden.”
Voltaire · Candide, 1759
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Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.
Who said it?
Often credited to Voltaire, but no source in his writings has been found.
Good answers can be memorized. Good questions require genuine thought. Voltaire, who asked uncomfortable questions his whole life, knew the difference.
More misattributed quotes · How we verify quotes
From the collection: 14 Voltaire Quotes That Still Cut to the Bone
About this quote
Meaning
The quote holds that the quality of a person's questions reveals more about them than the answers they claim to have. A thoughtful question shows curiosity, humility, and an awareness of what one does not yet know. Judging someone by their questions therefore means looking at how they think rather than how confidently they speak.
Origin
This line is often credited to Voltaire, but it is not documented as his. No source in his writings has been found that contains this exact wording or a clearly matching passage. Voltaire is widely known for his essays, plays, and philosophical letters, and his work does champion skepticism and inquiry. However, that broader reputation does not confirm the sentence itself, which appears mainly in quotation collections without a citation.
Why it resonates
Most people have met someone who answers every question quickly and never seems to wonder about anything. The quote offers a gentle test for such situations, shifting attention from certainty to openness. It also encourages readers to value their own questions rather than feel embarrassed by them. For teachers, hiring managers, and friends alike, the idea is a useful reminder that good questions often matter more than polished answers.
Frequently asked questions
Who said "Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers."?
Often credited to Voltaire, but no source in his writings has been found.
What does "Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers." mean?
The quote holds that the quality of a person's questions reveals more about them than the answers they claim to have.
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