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The Life and Legacy of Voltaire

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Voltaire, a central figure of the Enlightenment, was renowned for his advocacy of reason, individualism, and skepticism towards traditional doctrines. His experiences in England influenced his views on religious tolerance and governance, while his partnership with Émilie du Châtelet marked a significant intellectual collaboration. Voltaire's later years were dedicated to writing and advocating for civil rights, leaving a profound impact on modern democratic thought.

Voltaire: A Central Figure of the Enlightenment

François-Marie Arouet, better known by his pen name Voltaire, was born in 1694 and became a defining figure of the Enlightenment—a European intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional doctrines. Orphaned of his mother at a young age and at odds with his father, Voltaire developed a rebellious spirit that would later manifest in his challenges to authority and religious orthodoxy. His education at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, run by Jesuits, exposed him to classical literature and the sciences, fostering his critical thinking and setting the groundwork for his future advocacy of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and religious tolerance.
18th-century French salon with a mahogany table, open book, quill, inkwell, red velvet chairs, stone fireplace, and pastoral painting.

Voltaire's Emergence as a Writer and Experiences with Imprisonment

Voltaire's incisive wit and literary talent brought him early fame, but his satirical attacks on the French establishment led to his incarceration in the Bastille. It was during this time that he began using the name "Voltaire," which is an anagram of "Arouet l.j.," a reference to his real name and his younger brother. His continued provocations against the aristocracy resulted in further imprisonment and a subsequent exile to England. The English constitutional monarchy, its religious tolerance, and the intellectual climate that celebrated figures like Newton profoundly influenced Voltaire's perspective on governance and the role of the philosopher in society.

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00

The writer known as ______ was a central figure in the Enlightenment, which highlighted rational thought and individualism during the ______ centuries.

Voltaire

17th and 18th

01

Voltaire's early fame origins

Gained initial fame through sharp wit and literary skill.

02

Reason for Voltaire's Bastille imprisonment

Imprisoned for satirical critiques of French authorities.

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