Who said “Shun idleness is the rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.”?

Disputed

It's credited to Voltaire, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Voltaire.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Authors A–Z
“Shun idleness is the rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.”
— Voltaire
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Voltaire. · evidenceIdleness

Cite this quote

APA

“Shun idleness is the rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.” [Quotation attributed to Voltaire]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/3963-shun-idleness-is-the-rust-that-attaches-itself/

MLA

“Shun idleness is the rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.” Attributed to Voltaire. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/3963-shun-idleness-is-the-rust-that-attaches-itself/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Shun idleness is the rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals.” Attributed to Voltaire. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/3963-shun-idleness-is-the-rust-that-attaches-itself/.

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