Voltaire

François-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire, was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and intellectual. He was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France, and died on May 30, 1778, in Paris.

Voltaire was born into a middle-class family. He received a Jesuit education, but he was a precocious and independent thinker from a young age. He adopted the pen name "Voltaire" in his early twenties.

Voltaire began his literary career as a playwright and poet, gaining recognition for his wit and satirical works. His early satirical plays, such as "Oedipus" and "Zaire," were well-received.

Voltaire's thinking was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas, including reason, tolerance, and skepticism toward religious authority. He is best known for his philosophical works, such as "Candide" (1759), a satirical novella that critiqued the optimism of the time. In his works, he often challenged religious dogma, superstition, and abuses of power.

Voltaire's critical writings led to his imprisonment in the Bastille for a brief period. After his release, he spent several years in exile in England, where he was inspired by the principles of the English Enlightenment and developed a deeper appreciation for constitutional government and religious tolerance.

Voltaire returned to France and settled in the Château de Ferney in 1759. He continued his prolific writing and corresponded with intellectuals across Europe. His works continued to challenge the religious and political establishment.

Voltaire was a strong advocate for religious tolerance and individual liberties. He famously defended those who faced religious persecution and promoted freedom of thought and expression.

Voltaire died in 1778, and his death prompted an elaborate funeral attended by admirers. He left a lasting legacy as a champion of Enlightenment values, including reason, tolerance, and freedom of thought. His works continue to be studied and celebrated for their wit, insight, and influence on Enlightenment thinking.

Voltaire's contributions to literature, philosophy, and the Enlightenment have had a profound and enduring impact. His commitment to challenging authority, advocating for tolerance, and promoting reason and secularism left an indelible mark on the Enlightenment movement and the development of modern thought.