The destruction of a Library: myths and facts

Not a historian. Not an academic. Not my profession. History is a hobby / diversion for me. My comments are only my opinion. Over the many years, I have watched folks posit their beliefs, then over time, perspectives change 90 to 180 degrees. In my personal opinion, all makes sense, but unless we were truly there, it is difficult to ever be 100%.

 

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This was a great piece of research. Thank you. I look forward to reviewing this work more closely when I find the time.

That said, I take umbrage with this quote:

Voltaire was a brilliant, enlightened thinker. Like all of us, he had his biases, prejudices, and faults. (He had an almost pathological dislike of organized religions, for example. He frequently railed against many of the religious excesses of his day.) He was also among the most influential advocates of his day for civil rights, including a fair trial as well as freedom of and from religion. It is because of Voltaire we live in a more tolerant and enlightened world.

Edward Gibbon was among the first of the modern historians. His enthusiasm for ancient Roman history has inspired students of history through the centuries.

Carl Sagan was initially a fine scientist who became more a celebrity and less a rigorous scholar with time. Nevertheless, his TV program Cosmos motivated a whole generation of students to pursue further study of astronomy. Admittedly, his TV work and his catchphrase "billions and billions" made him millions and millions of dollars.

Herberto, your research is worthy of the highest praise. Of the three men you mentioned, at least Voltaire is not worthy of the ad hominem abuse.