"Satire lies about literary men while they live and eulogy lies about them when they die"

This quote by Voltaire is a commentary on the way in which literary figures are treated in society. He is suggesting that while they are alive, they are often the topic of satire and ridicule, but when they die, they are applauded and eulogized. This is a reflection of the method which society typically admires those who have achieved success in the literary world, however is quick to criticize them when they are alive. Voltaire is suggesting that this is an unreasonable double basic, which literary figures need to be respected and valued while they are alive, rather than waiting till they have died. He is likewise suggesting that society should be more open up to criticism and satire, as it can be a valuable tool for discovering and development. Eventually, Voltaire is motivating us to be more conscious of how we deal with literary figures, and to acknowledge their contributions while they are still alive.