Voltaire (FrançoisMarie Arouet) Quotes

A collection of quotes by Voltaire (FrançoisMarie Arouet).

Voltaire, also known as François-Marie Arouet, was a French philosopher, writer, historian, and advocate of the Enlightenment period. He was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. Voltaire embarked on a career as a lawyer but soon turned his focus towards writing and literature.

Known for his wit, skepticism, and satire, Voltaire used his pen as a powerful weapon against social and political injustice. He authored numerous plays, poems, essays, and novels, addressing various issues such as religious intolerance, inequality, and corruption.

Voltaire's most famous work is the novel "Candide," which satirizes societal conventions. Through this work, he challenged prevailing philosophical ideas, highlighting the flaws and absurdities of the world. He criticized religious dogmas, advocating for rationality and tolerance.

Aside from his literary contributions, Voltaire played a key role in shaping the political discourse of his time. He championed civil liberties, arguing for freedom of expression and religious tolerance. His bold ideas often clashed with the authorities, leading to multiple exiles and imprisonments.

Voltaire's impact on the Enlightenment movement cannot be overstated. His ideas laid the groundwork for the French Revolution and influenced thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Immanuel Kant. Despite facing opposition and adversity, Voltaire dedicated his life to defending human rights and challenging conventional wisdom, leaving a lasting legacy as one of history's greatest intellectuals and satirists. He passed away on May 30, 1778, in Paris.