Voltaire

Voltaire Biography

François-Marie Arouet (November 21, 1694 – May 30, 1778), known by his pen name Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and historian. Born in Paris, France, Voltaire was educated by Jesuits at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, where he developed a love for literature and a talent for writing. Despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a career in law, Voltaire chose to become a writer, a decision that led to both acclaim and controversy throughout his life.

Voltaire's wit and criticism of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church often put him at odds with authorities, leading to imprisonments and exiles. His time in England exposed him to constitutional monarchy and the works of Newton and Locke, influencing his advocacy for civil liberties and freedom of expression. Voltaire's literary repertoire was vast, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works. Among his most notable works is Candide, a satirical novel that critiques optimism and the status quo.

Throughout his life, Voltaire was a staunch advocate for freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and social reform. He corresponded with numerous intellectuals and leaders, influencing the direction of the Enlightenment and leaving a lasting impact on Western thought. Voltaire passed away in Paris in 1778, leaving behind a legacy as a courageous crusader against tyranny and bigotry.

Trivia About Voltaire

• Voltaire was a prolific writer, producing works in almost every literary form, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works.
• He wrote more than 20,000 letters and more than 2,000 books and pamphlets.
• Voltaire's real name was François-Marie Arouet; he adopted the pen name "Voltaire" in 1718.
• He was an outspoken advocate, despite the risk this placed him in under the strict censorship laws of the time.

Famous Quotes by Voltaire

• "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
• "Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers."
• "Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Voltaire?

Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and historian known for his wit, criticism of Christianity, and advocacy of freedom of speech and religion.

What are Voltaire's most famous works?

Some of Voltaire's most famous works include the satirical novel Candide, the play Oedipus, and the philosophical work Letters Concerning the English Nation.

What was Voltaire's impact on the Enlightenment?

Voltaire was a leading figure of the Enlightenment, advocating for civil liberties, freedom of expression, and separation of church and state. His works and ideas influenced the direction of European civilization and the development of modern thought.

Related Literary Movements

Voltaire was a central figure in the Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. His works contributed to the development of modern philosophy and the promotion of secularism.

Explore more about Voltaire on eBookTakeAway