Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet, was a French philosopher and writer during the 18th century Enlightenment. Voltaire was known for his criticism of organized religion and traditional institutions and for his outspoken support of free speech and other civil liberties.
Voltaire
Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet, was a French philosopher and writer during the 18th century Enlightenment. Voltaire was known for his criticism of organized religion and traditional institutions and for his outspoken support of free speech and other civil liberties. His contemporaries included John Locke, Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Voltaire was born in 1694 to a middle class family in Paris, France. He received a classical education as a youth, but broke away from his family by young adulthood, preferring instead the influence of his godfather, the Abbé de Châteauneuf, who promoted free thinking and sensual living. Although Voltaire was expected to become a lawyer, he focused his efforts instead on writing plays, poems, philosophical treatises, and historical works. His sharp wit and pithy epigrams soon won him acclaim in French circles. His bold comments, however, often cost him his comfort and safety. Voltaire was strongly critical of the Bible, the Catholic Church, the French government, and a number of personal enemies. His offensive remarks landed him in the Bastille prison twice and sent him into exile several times throughout his life.
During his exile to England from 1726-1729, Voltaire came to appreciate the comparative freedom of speech enjoyed by the intellectuals under England’s constitutional monarchy. Upon his return to France, he published Lettres Philosophiques sur les Anglais, praising the English system and earning him further exile. He moved from Prussia, to Switzerland, to several regions of France throughout the rest of his long career. Everywhere he went, he welcomed visits from the leading intellectuals of the day and continued to publish new literature. Today, his most famous short work is the 1759 novella Candide, which relies heavily on irony and satire to criticize the philosophy of Optimism, promoted by his contemporary Gottfried Leibniz.
Voltaire’s general philosophy was one that promoted reason above tradition or superstition. Like Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin, Voltaire was a deist; he believed in a higher power, but criticized traditional religious practices. He encouraged progress in the sciences and arts, and used his literature and cultural standing to attempt social reform, promoting fair trials, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion. Ultimately, Voltaire argued for enlightened monarchies over democracy, but his philosophical contributions strongly influenced the leaders of both the American and the French Revolutions in the late 18th century.
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Try it for Free!Voltaire Quotes
I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.
Every abuse ought to be reformed, unless the reform is more dangerous than the abuse itself.
All people are equal, it is not birth, it is virtue alone that makes the difference.
How Tos about Who was Voltaire?
Introduce Voltaire’s ideas with a classroom discussion.
Begin by asking students what they know about freedom of speech and religious tolerance. Connect their answers to Voltaire’s key beliefs to spark curiosity and lay the foundation for learning.
Use primary sources to explore Voltaire’s impact.
Share short quotes from Voltaire’s writings and have students analyze what he meant. This helps them understand historical context and critical thinking skills.
Create a timeline of Voltaire’s life and achievements.
Ask students to work in groups and highlight major events using drawings or digital tools. This visual approach reinforces chronological understanding and makes history engaging.
Encourage debate on Voltaire’s ideas in today’s world.
Organize a friendly classroom debate about freedom of expression or tolerance using Voltaire’s principles. This fosters communication skills and connects the past to the present.
Frequently Asked Questions about Who was Voltaire?
Who was Voltaire and why is he important in history?
Voltaire was a French writer, philosopher, and leading figure of the Enlightenment. He is important for his advocacy of freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and challenging authority, which influenced modern democratic thought.
What were Voltaire's most famous works?
Voltaire's most famous works include Candide, Letters on England, and Philosophical Dictionary. These writings criticized injustice and promoted reason, inspiring social and political change.
How did Voltaire contribute to the Enlightenment?
Voltaire contributed to the Enlightenment by encouraging critical thinking, questioning traditional beliefs, and promoting science and reason over superstition. His ideas helped shape modern Western philosophy and government.
What are some key facts students should know about Voltaire?
Key facts include: Voltaire lived from 1694–1778, used satire to criticize powerful institutions, supported civil liberties, and was exiled for his controversial views. He is remembered as a champion of human rights.
Why do teachers include Voltaire in lessons about world history?
Teachers include Voltaire because his ideas about freedom, equality, and justice helped inspire revolutions and reforms worldwide. Studying Voltaire helps students understand the roots of modern democracy and human rights.
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