what volter mean by seying

goverment need to have both shepherd and butchers

I think you mean:

Voltaire: Governments need to have both shepherds and butchers.

Think about it. Shepherds take care of the sheep. Butchers kill the sheep and prepare it for humans to eat.

What do you think Voltaire meant?

To understand what Voltaire meant by saying "government needs to have both shepherds and butchers," we need to analyze the context and look at his views on government.

Voltaire was a French philosopher and writer during the Enlightenment period. He was known for his sharp wit, criticism of political authoritarianism, and advocacy for religious freedom and individual liberties.

In this quote, Voltaire used the metaphors of shepherds and butchers to symbolize different roles within governments. The "shepherd" represents those who protect, guide, and care for the people, while the "butcher" symbolizes those who have the power to punish and enforce the law.

Voltaire believed that a strong government necessitates a balance between these two roles. The "shepherds" are responsible for providing leadership, ensuring the well-being of the citizens, and protecting their rights. On the other hand, the "butchers" are required to maintain social order, enforce laws, and deliver justice when necessary.

In essence, Voltaire recognized the importance of both compassionate governance, which safeguards the happiness and welfare of the population (the shepherds), and a firm approach to maintain law and order (the butchers). By emphasizing the need for both roles, he emphasized the idea that a good government should find a balance between benevolence and discipline.