Monologue

Melcher Monologue from To Damascus

From To Damascus by August Strindberg

male · philosophical · 1:42 min

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Number six in the catalogue. Voltaire! He has more than two heads. The Godless One, who spent his whole life defending God. The Mocker, who was mocked, because 'he believed in God like a child.' The author of the cynical 'Candide,' who wrote: In my youth I sought the pleasures Of the senses, but I learned That their sweetness was illusion Soon to bitterness it turned. In old age I've come to see Life is nought but vanity. Dr. Knowall, who thought he could grasp everything between Heaven and Earth by means of reason and science, sings like this, when he comes to the end of his life: I had thought to find in knowledge Light to guide me on my way; Yet I still must walk in darkness All that's known must soon decay. Ignorance, I turn to thee! Knowledge is but vanity. But that's no matter! Voltaire can be put to many uses. The Jews use him against the Christians, and the Christians use him against the Jews, because he was an anti-Semite, like Luther. Chateaubriand used him to defend Catholicism, and Protestants use him even to-day to attack Catholicism. He was a fine fellow!

About this piece

Melcher reflects on the contradictions of Voltaire's life and legacy, expressing a deep sense of disillusionment with knowledge and faith.

40s · melancholy · knowledge · faith · identity · vanity

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