"He was a great patriot, a humanitarian, a loyal friend; provided, of course, he really is dead"

This quote by Voltaire is an amusing method of revealing the idea that it is hard to really know somebody till they are gone. Voltaire is suggesting that the person in question was a terrific patriot, a humanitarian, and a faithful good friend, however that these qualities may not be true till the individual is no longer alive. This quote is a pointer that we should not take people's words and actions at stated value, and that we must take care to not take individuals for granted. It is likewise a suggestion that we should value individuals in our lives while they are still here, as we never ever understand when they may be gone. Voltaire's quote is a tip to treasure the people in our lives and to not take them for granted.