Voltaire (1694 – 1778) – French philosopher

Voltaire was an influential French philosopher and writer during the Enlightenment period of the 18th century. Born François-Marie Arouet on November 21, 1694, in Paris, Voltaire was the youngest of five children of a middle-class family. He was educated by Jesuits, but his independent and rebellious spirit soon led him to question their teachings.

As a young man, Voltaire began writing poetry and plays, and he quickly became known for his wit and satire. In 1717, he was briefly imprisoned in the Bastille for writing a satirical poem that offended the French government. After his release, he was exiled to England, where he spent two years studying English literature and culture.

Voltaire returned to France in 1729 and began a career as a writer and intellectual. He was a prolific writer, producing works on a wide range of subjects, including history, politics, philosophy, and literature. He was also a fierce critic of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church, and he used his writing to advocate for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and social justice.

Voltaire's most famous works include "Candide," a satirical novel that skewers the optimistic philosophy of Leibniz; "Letters Concerning the English Nation," which praises English culture and government while criticizing French culture and government; and "Philosophical Dictionary," a collection of essays on a variety of philosophical and scientific topics.

Throughout his life, Voltaire was involved in many controversies and conflicts. He was repeatedly censored and punished for his writings, and he was often forced to flee from one country to another to escape persecution. He was also a fierce opponent of the French aristocracy, and he supported many political and social reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the separation of church and state.

Despite his many conflicts and controversies, Voltaire remained one of the most influential thinkers of his time. His ideas helped to shape the Enlightenment movement, which sought to promote reason, science, and progress as the key drivers of human civilization. He was also a major influence on many other writers and thinkers, including Rousseau, Diderot, and Kant.

In addition to his writing and philosophical work, Voltaire was also a prominent social figure. He was known for his wit, charm, and intelligence, and he was a frequent guest at the salons of Paris. He had many famous friends and acquaintances, including the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the writer Samuel Johnson, and the mathematician and philosopher, Emilie du Chatelet.

Voltaire died on May 30, 1778, at the age of 83. His legacy as a writer and philosopher continues to be felt today, and his ideas about freedom, tolerance, and reason remain as relevant today as they were in the 18th century. He is remembered as one of the most important thinkers of the Enlightenment period, and his influence on Western culture and thought is immeasurable.