The story of Good Brahmin
About The Story of a Good Brahmin
François-Marie Arouet—better known by his pen name Voltaire—was a French Enlightenment thinker, satirist, and philosopher known for his sharp wit and relentless critique of dogma, superstition, and authoritarianism. Born in 1694 and active during a time of major political and religious upheaval in Europe, Voltaire was a passionate advocate for reason, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance.
Voltaire’s philosophical approach wasn’t the type that locked itself away in ivory towers. Instead, he wielded satire like a sword, cutting through hypocrisy and irrationality with elegance and humor. His works—especially Candide, Letters on England, and short stories like The Story of a Good Brahmin—aimed to challenge the status quo and provoke critical thinking among his readers.
In The Story of a Good Brahmin, Voltaire explores a curious contradiction: Can wisdom and happiness coexist? The story centers on a wise Indian philosopher—the “good Brahmin”—who finds himself deeply unhappy. Despite his intelligence, he’s tormented by life’s big questions, many of which seem unanswerable. Meanwhile, his neighbor, a simple woman with no interest in philosophy, lives in blissful ignorance.
Voltaire doesn’t give us easy answers. Instead, he invites us to think. Would you trade knowledge for happiness? Or is the pursuit of understanding worth the discomfort it brings? The story offers a powerful reflection on the value of philosophy itself. Is it noble to seek truth even if it makes us uneasy? Or should we envy those who live happily without needing to ask “why”?
This short piece captures one of philosophy’s oldest tensions: the idea that more awareness might bring more doubt, not more peace. Through humor and paradox, Voltaire pushes us to ask uncomfortable—but essential—questions about what we truly value.
Before You Read
As you prepare to read Voltaire’s The Story of a Good Brahmin, take a moment to think about your own views on happiness and knowledge. Do you think being more aware of life’s complexities makes you a happier person—or a more anxious one? Would you rather be a wise thinker who struggles with life’s meaning, or someone who lives with ease but never questions much?
This reading raises timeless questions about the role of philosophy in a meaningful life. It’s especially relevant as we reflect on the value of philosophy: Is it worth engaging deeply with hard questions if they don’t lead to clear answers—or make us less content? As you read, ask yourself: Which character’s outlook do you find more appealing or relatable—the Brahmin or his neighbor? Why?
