Voltaire - Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too

the Daily Quote

Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, and today is October 12th.

Today is National Free Thought Day, a day that encourages you to break away from the usual, challenge common opinions, and really think for yourself. It’s a celebration of independent thought—something we could all use more of in a world where it sometimes feels like everyone’s just hitting “like” without asking, “Why?”

This day traces its origins back to 1692, right after the Salem witch trials ended. People finally realized that just because a lot of folks believe something, that doesn’t mean it’s true. It’s a reminder that free thought, guided by reason and evidence, is how we escape the traps of fear, bias, and conformity. So, if you've ever questioned a popular idea and felt a little weird for it—congratulations! Today, you're a champion of free thought.

Our quote for today comes from the great philosopher Voltaire, a guy who knew a thing or two about rattling the cages of authority. He said:

"Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too."

It’s simple but profound. Voltaire reminds us that it’s not just about forming your own ideas—it’s also about respecting the fact that everyone else has the right to do the same. Kind of like “live and let live,” but with a philosophical twist.

Here’s the thing: it’s easy to forget that independent thinking goes both ways. We love the idea of thinking for ourselves, but it can be tough when someone else’s opinions don't match up with ours. Voltaire’s quote reminds us that it’s not about winning an argument or proving someone wrong—it’s about letting everyone walk their own mental path.

And that ties beautifully into National Free Thought Day. It’s not just about challenging what others say—it’s also about giving them the freedom to challenge you. Imagine how boring life would be if we all had the same ideas and never questioned anything! Free thinkers of the past—like Voltaire himself—shaped the modern world precisely because they dared to think differently. But they also opened the door for everyone to have their say.

So today, as you celebrate National Free Thought Day, give yourself permission to think outside the box, question the norms, and maybe even disagree with popular opinion. But also, remember to give others that same freedom. As Voltaire put it, we should let everyone enjoy the privilege of their own thoughts—no matter how eccentric, quirky, or downright confusing they might seem.

That’s a wrap for today’s episode. On National Free Thought Day, take Voltaire’s advice to heart: think for yourself, but let others do the same. You never know what great ideas might come from a little mutual respect for each other's mental space.

I’m Andrew McGivern, and thank you for joining me on The Daily Quote. Until next time, keep questioning, keep thinking, and above all, keep being you.