How a Quake Changed Philosophy Forever

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]Imagine a city bustling with life, suddenly shaken to its core, literally.

[00:00:05]On November 1st, 1755, Lisbon was struck by a massive earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires, destroying much of the city and killing tens of thousands.

[00:00:15]But, the impact went far beyond the rubble.

[00:00:18]The disaster sparked fierce debates across Europe. Why would such tragedy strike on a holy day?

[00:00:24]Thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau questioned traditional views on fate and faith. The catastrophe became a catalyst [music] for new ideas about science, reason, and how society should rebuild after disaster.