"When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion"

"When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion", penned by Voltaire, is a witty yet incisive commentary on human nature and society’s relationship with wealth. Voltaire recognized that money has a unique power to dissolve differences, whether cultural, religious, or ideological, once personal interests are involved. The distinctions that so often separate people, such as faith or background, can quickly fade into irrelevance when financial gain or loss enters the equation.

Money, as Voltaire points out, acts as a universal language. Wherever transactions take place, the promise of profit or fear of loss compels people to unite under a common interest, often overriding previously held beliefs or divisions. In settings where financial dealings occur, cooperation arises among groups that, outside of such an environment, might be at odds with one another. The underlying suggestion is not that religion or values are unimportant, but that economic incentives have the extraordinary ability to create alignments that transcend even the strongest of identities.

By asserting that everyone is “of the same religion” over money, Voltaire also subtly criticizes the human tendency to prioritize self-interest above all else. The pursuit of material gain can reveal hypocrisy, as it exposes how easily people’s loyalties and convictions can be set aside when they stand in the way of wealth. Thus, money becomes the “true” religion, unifying, motivating, and even justifying behavior in situations where ideological rifts would otherwise persist.

Voltaire’s observation is as relevant today as it was in his era. In global business, politics, and even personal relationships, the influence of money often overrides moral or ideological allegiances. The phrase stands as both a humorous quip and a sharp critique of society, inviting reflection on the pervasive influence of material interests, and how the seemingly insurmountable divides between people may pale in comparison to the universal pursuit of wealth.