We must cultivate our own garden. When man was put in the garden of Eden he was put there so that he should work, which proves that man was not born to rest.

In this quote, Voltaire uses the metaphor of the garden to convey the idea that human beings must take responsibility for their own lives and work toward personal growth and fulfillment. "We must **cultivate our own garden" suggests that individuals should focus on improving their immediate surroundings, whether that means their personal lives, communities, or responsibilities. Voltaire implies that meaningful work and engagement are essential parts of the human experience and that each person has a role in shaping their own reality.

Voltaire further reflects on the idea that man was not created to simply enjoy rest but to work and engage with the world around him. By referencing the story of Eden, where man was placed in the garden to work and tend to it, Voltaire is reinforcing his belief that the purpose of life is not passive enjoyment, but active contribution and labor. The quote underscores the philosophical notion that life requires effort, responsibility, and engagement in order to find meaning.

The origin of this quote comes from Voltaire's famous satirical novel Candide, in which the character Candide is encouraged to "cultivate our own garden" after enduring various misfortunes and philosophical teachings. Voltaire uses this advice as a final conclusion to emphasize practical action over abstract philosophy or futile idealism. In the novel, the garden symbolizes a return to the basics of life and personal responsibility, moving away from grand philosophical speculation toward tangible, productive work.

Ultimately, Voltaire’s quote serves as a reminder that work, whether physical, intellectual, or moral, is essential to human existence. By advocating for the cultivation of one's own garden, Voltaire suggests that true meaning and satisfaction come from active participation in the world, rather than from idle enjoyment or passive existence. It encourages individuals to focus on what is within their control and to engage in the productive and meaningful work of life.