Voltaire Quotes
A collection of quotes by Voltaire.
François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and historian born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. Voltaire's sharp wit, social criticism, and satirical writings made him a key figure of the Enlightenment movement.
Despite being born into a middle-class family, Voltaire quickly gained popularity and became renowned for his clever satire and critiques of the French monarchy, organized religion, and social hierarchy. His criticism often landed him in trouble, resulting in numerous imprisonments and exiles throughout his life.
Voltaire's literary output was vast and varied, covering a wide range of genres such as plays, poetry, novels, essays, and historical works. His most notable works include "Candide" and "Letters Concerning the English Nation." These works satirized the prevailing beliefs of the time, including optimism, religious intolerance, and authoritarian rule, making Voltaire a formidable advocate for liberty, reason, and justice.
Furthermore, Voltaire was a passionate advocate for freedom of speech and religious tolerance, championing these ideas in many of his works. He fiercely opposed superstition and highlighted the importance of science and reason in understanding the world.
Voltaire's influence was widespread, and his ideas played a significant role in shaping the French Revolution. He died on May 30, 1778, in Paris, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest Enlightenment thinkers and a champion of human rights and intellectual freedom.
