# Voltaire — The Theory of Moral Sentiments character guide

> Voltaire in The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Mr. Voltaire

**First appearance:** 0048-i-of-the-influence-of-custom-and-fashion-upon-our-notions-of-beauty-and-deformity

## Who they are

French philosopher and writer cited on moral and literary topics.

## In the story

### [I: Of the Influence of Custom and Fashion Upon Our Notions of Beauty and Deformity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/i-of-the-influence-of-custom-and-fashion-upon-our-notions-of-beauty-and-deformity)

Cited alongside Racine, his 'Henriad' is noted for using heroic verse in French, demonstrating the influence of custom on poetic associations.

### [Section I: Of the Character of the Individual, So Far as It Affects His Own Happiness; or of Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/section-i-of-the-character-of-the-individual-so-far-as-it-affects-his-own-happiness-or-of-prudence)

Cited alongside Socrates and others as a figure of great talents who set a pernicious example by disregarding social decorums.

### [I: Of the Order in Which Individuals Are Recommended by Nature to Our Care and Attention](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/i-of-the-order-in-which-individuals-are-recommended-by-nature-to-our-care-and-attention)

Cited for his tragedy 'The Orphan of China', illustrating the conflict between parental affection and patriotic duty.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced in a footnote for a quotation about Plato, Homer, and Cicero.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters/voltaire
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_theory_of_moral_sentiments_se/characters