What was Voltaire's perspective on government and human nature?

Voltaire believed in the concept of an enlightened monarchy, where the ruler would use their power to promote the welfare of the people and govern with wisdom and rationality. He considered that a strong, centralized authority could be effective if it was led by a ruler who valued reason, justice, and the rights of individuals. This perspective aligns with his emphasis on rational thought and the importance of progress through reform rather than through chaotic systems or complete governmental disarray.

In contrast to other views that suggest humans need to be tightly controlled due to their violent nature or irrational tendencies, Voltaire maintained that an enlightened ruler could harness human reason for the betterment of society. His advocacy for an enlightened monarchy reflected his belief that rational governance could lead to progress and improvement in human conditions without resorting to the chaos that anarchy would produce.

This nuanced understanding of governance shows Voltaire’s recognition of the complexities of human nature while advocating for a governmental structure that promotes human rights and reason, rather than the extremes of totalitarian control or complete disorder.