Voltaire’s reading cushion: Cultivating your indoor garden in winter
Comfort and Philosophy: When Voltaire Inspires Our Winter Reading
In mid-November, when nature goes into dormancy, a quote from Voltaire has a particular resonance: ‘We must cultivate our garden’. If the winter vegetable garden is resting under its blanket of dead leaves, this is perhaps the ideal time to cultivate another kind of garden: that of the mind. And what better guide than Voltaire, that philosopher who knew so well how to combine depth and lightness, to accompany us in this process?
We're going to reinvent the Salon d'Hiver des Lumières.
Imagine yourself in the 18th century, in one of those famous Parisian literary salons. The conversations are lively, witty and light, while the guests lounge in armchairs carefully arranged around the fireplace. Voltaire excelled here, handling the art of conversation with as much ease as he did his pen.
Chez Aricomagic, It’s with this in mind that we’ve designed the Voltaire’s samoussin. Its houndstooth velvet and light brown mottled velvet base evoke the elegance of the drawing rooms of yesteryear, while its innovative design meets the needs of the modern reader. Made in France, as was the spirit of the Enlightenment, it combines tradition and innovation with a touch of impertinence that would probably have pleased the philosopher.
Create your own Philosophy Reading Corner
‘Where I am is paradise on earth’, wrote Voltaire. This maxim is particularly true in winter, when our home becomes our refuge.
I recently discovered ‘Voltaire à la plage’ by Nicolas Grenier (published by Dunod), a book that does a brilliant job of dusting off Voltairean thought. In his Dictionnaire philosophique, Voltaire wrote: ‘The philosopher is the lover of wisdom and truth’. But who said that the search for wisdom had to be uncomfortable?
The Voltaire samoussin has been designed as a bridge between comfort and reflection. Its oak ruler keeps your pages open while you take notes, its elastic band lets you turn the pages effortlessly, and its modular design gives you the freedom of movement so dear to our philosopher. With your neck finally free, your mind can wander more freely.
The Rituals of the Enlightened Reader
Did you know that Voltaire was a great lover of coffee? It is said that he drank up to 72 cups a day (we strongly advise you not to try it!). For our part, we suggest a more moderate ritual:
- A hot drink in your favourite mug. In a previous article, we detailed our tips for a successful reader’s herbal tea.
- Soft but sufficient lighting (our philosopher would have loved our modern reading lights)
- Your Voltaire samoussin in your favourite armchair
- And why not a few chocolates? (Voltaire was also a shareholder in a cocoa trading company)
Comfortable and enlightened reading
The Voltaire samoussin is more than just a reading cushion. Designed and made entirely in France, it represents our vision of ‘Fertile Decoration’: objects that nourish the mind as well as the eyes. Its eco-responsible materials (Oeko-tex certified fabrics, filling made from recycled fibres) bear witness to our commitment to sustainable living.
Suggested Voltairean Reading for Winter
Perhaps start with ‘Voltaire à la plage’, particularly accessible with its short chapters and light tone. Next, let yourself be tempted by ‘Candide’ – its lively pace and humour make it perfect reading for winter evenings. For the more adventurous, ‘Lettres philosophiques’ offers a fascinating insight into 18th-century England.
The Voltaire samoussin can be adapted to all formats: paperbacks, coffee-table books, and even tablets for those who want to watch ‘The Adventures of Young Voltaire’ between two readings.
The Art of Living according to Voltaire
‘The earthly paradise is where I am’, wrote Voltaire. This maxim is particularly resonant in winter, when our home becomes our refuge. The Voltaire samoussin helps to create this personal paradise: its detachable triangle can even be transformed into a nap cushion for those moments when philosophy gives way to contemplation.
A Winter Garden for the Mind
In these days when night falls early and the cold pushes us to curl up in our homes, the Voltaire samoussin invites us to cultivate our inner garden. More than just a reading aid, it embodies the fusion between modern comfort and the spirit of the Enlightenment, between innovation and tradition, between utility and beauty.
At aricomagic, Like his inspiration, who knew how to make the most profound thoughts accessible and entertaining, the Voltaire samoussin makes reading more comfortable without ever sacrificing elegance. It reminds us that comfort is not the enemy of reflection – on the contrary, it is perhaps its most faithful ally.
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