Philosopher as Celebrity

[speed]

I was reading a biography of Voltaire, and was shocked to discover, that indeed, Voltaire, as well as many of his philosophical and literary contemporaries (Goethe etc) were treated as the celebrities of the world. Persons would make trips to said philosophers house, just to get a glance of the august man. They wrote in their diaries how inspired they were to see said philosopher in a pensive pose, etc.

And then we come to contemporary celebrities...

 

[Tongue_Ring]

contemporary celebs are idiots

 

[Sacred Profane]

contemporary celebs are idiots

Well said! Paris Hilton being an obvious example.

 

[Anvil]

It was also a time when thinking for a leader earned money. I guess in a way they still do, except they don't actually think. Take a look at the US.