Voltaire

A French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his criticism of Christianity, and his advocacy of freedom of speech.

This biography of Voltaire helps you learn English through real historical stories.

born1694

died1778

nationalityFrench

known foradvocating civil liberties, writing Candide, and criticizing religious dogma

fieldphilosophy and literature

Key Takeaways

He was a key figure of the Enlightenment who championed freedom of speech and religion
He wrote 'Candide', a famous satire mocking blind optimism and social injustice
He was imprisoned and exiled multiple times for criticizing the French monarchy and Church
He advocated for the separation of church and state and the use of reason over dogma

Life Timeline

1694

Born François-Marie Arouet in Paris

1717

Imprisoned in the Bastille for writing satirical verses about the government

1726-1729

Exiled to England, where he was influenced by British political ideas

1759

Published his most famous work, the satirical novella 'Candide'

1778

Returned to Paris as a hero and died shortly after

Biography Reading: Voltaire

background

Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was one of the most influential figures of the French Enlightenment. From a young age, he displayed a brilliant but rebellious wit that frequently landed him in trouble with the French authorities. He was twice imprisoned in the Bastille for his satirical writings against the aristocracy and the church. His time in exile in England profoundly shaped his world-view, as he became an admirer of Britain's constitutional monarchy and its greater tolerance for diverse religious and political ideas compared to the absolute monarchy of France.

achievement

Voltaire was a prolific writer, producing thousands of letters, plays, poems, and essays throughout his long life. His most famous work, the satirical novella "Candide," remains a classic of Western literature, using dark humor to mock the optimistic philosophy of his time and expose the cruelties of war and religious fanaticism. He was a tireless advocate for civil liberties, famously defending individuals who were unjustly persecuted for their beliefs. Voltaire believed that a society's progress depended on its ability to embrace reason and protect the fundamental right of every person to think and speak freely.

impact

Although he was a critic of organized religion, particularly the Catholic Church, Voltaire was a deist who believed in a supreme creator discoverable through reason rather than revelation. He argued for the separation of church and state, a concept that would become a cornerstone of modern democratic societies. His legacy is defined by his courage to challenge powerful institutions and his unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom. Even today, the spirit of Voltaire continues to inspire those who fight against censorship, intolerance, and the abuse of power.

Essential Vocabulary

satirical

using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices

exile

the state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons

prolific

producing much fruit, foliage, or many offspring; in a creative sense, producing many works

fanaticism

the quality of being fanatical; obsessive enthusiasm

deist

someone who believes in the existence of a supreme being, specifically of a creator who does not intervene in the universe

censorship

the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security