Who was Voltaire?
Voltaire (1694-1778) born François-Marie Arouet was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his criticism of Christianity, especially the Catholic Church, as well as his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. He was an outspoken advocate of civil liberties, despite the risk this placed him in under the strict censorship laws of the time. As a satirical polemicist, he frequently made use of his works to criticize intolerance, religious dogma, and the French institutions of his day.
Early Life & Career
Early Life: Voltaire was born François-Marie Arouet on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. He was the youngest of five children born to François Arouet, a lawyer, and his wife, Marie Marguerite Daumard. He was educated by Jesuit priests and at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, where he studied law.
Career: Voltaire began his career as a poet and playwright, publishing his first play, “Œdipe” in 1718. He quickly gained fame for his wit and satire, and he became a popular figure in French society. However, his outspoken criticism of the French government and the Catholic Church soon led to him being exiled from Paris. He spent several years living in England, where he was heavily influenced by English political and philosophical thought.
Upon his return to France, Voltaire continued to write and publish works that were critical of the French government and the Catholic Church. He also became involved in several legal and political controversies, which led to him being imprisoned and exiled multiple times. Despite these difficulties, he continued to write and publish a wide range of works, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works.
In addition to his writing, Voltaire was also an active participant in the intellectual and political life of his time. He corresponded with many of the leading figures of the Enlightenment, and he was an outspoken advocate for civil liberties and religious toleration. He also became involved in several philanthropic and scientific projects, including the establishment of a model farm and the founding of a school for girls
What did Voltaire Write?
Voltaire wrote over 20,000 letters and more than 2,000 books and pamphlets. He wrote plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works. He was an outspoken advocate, despite the risk this placed him in under the strict censorship laws of the time. His most famous works include the satirical novella Candide (1759), the satirical novel Zadig (1747), and the satirical poem “The Poem of the Cid” (1734).
Voltaire’s Philosophical Contributions
Voltaire was a key figure in the French Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized reason, individual freedom, and progress. His philosophical views were heavily influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment, including his belief in the power of reason and the importance of civil liberties.
One of the most notable aspects of Voltaire’s philosophy is his strong criticism of religious dogma and intolerance. He was a vocal advocate of religious toleration and freedom of thought, and he frequently used his writing to satirize and criticize the Catholic Church and other religious institutions. He believed that religious institutions should be separate from the state, and that individuals should have the freedom to practice their religion without interference.
Voltaire was also a proponent of civil liberties and individual rights. He believed that people should be free to express their opinions and that government should be limited in its power to control the lives of citizens. He was an advocate for freedom of speech, and believed that censorship was a violation of individual freedom.
In addition to his views on religion and civil liberties, Voltaire was also interested in science and reason. He believed that science and reason were essential tools for understanding the world and improving human society. He was a proponent of the scientific method and encouraged the use of evidence and reason to understand the natural world.
Voltaire’s philosophical contributions continue to be studied and debated to this day, particularly his critiques of religion and emphasis on reason, individual freedom, and progress. His ideas and writing continue to influence contemporary thought on religious toleration, freedom of speech, and the role of government in society.
Relevance of Voltaire’s Works and Thoughts
Voltaire’s relevance still continues today. His wit and criticism of the Catholic Church, as well as his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state, continue to influence the modern world. His works continue to be studied and admired for their wit, satire, and criticism of societal issues.