Here's a biography of François-Marie Arouet.'s life, covering his birth to his death.
François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was a French philosopher, writer, and satirist who lived from November 21, 1694, to May 30, 1778. His life was marked by intellectual prowess, wit, and a fierce commitment to freedom of thought and expression. In this biography, we will explore the various facets of Voltaire's life, from his early years to his lasting impact on the Enlightenment era and beyond.
François-Marie Arouet was born in Paris, France, to François Arouet, a lawyer, and Marguerite Daumard. He was the youngest of five siblings. The Arouet family was of modest means, and François-Marie's father hoped he would follow in his legal footsteps. However, young François-Marie showed a remarkable aptitude for literature and learning from an early age.
His education began at the Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris, where he excelled in classical studies, Latin, and rhetoric. It was during this time that he adopted the pen name "Voltaire." The exact origin of this pseudonym is debated, but it is thought to be derived from the French word "volontaire," signifying his determination to pursue his literary ambitions.
After completing his education, Voltaire briefly worked as an assistant to a lawyer but soon realized that the legal profession was not for him. He decided to pursue a career as a writer, and his first works were primarily poetry. In 1713, he wrote his first play, "Œdipe," which achieved some success in the Parisian theater scene.
However, his early literary endeavors brought him into conflict with the French authorities due to their satirical and critical nature. In 1717, Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for nearly a year after writing a satirical verse about the regent of France, Philippe II, Duke of Orleans.
Upon his release from prison, Voltaire was exiled to England, where he spent several years in the company of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton. During his time in England, he was deeply influenced by the principles of English constitutional monarchy and religious tolerance. He also developed a lifelong fascination with science and empirical inquiry.
Voltaire returned to France in 1726, and his experiences in England had a profound impact on his philosophical outlook. He became a champion of religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state.
The years following his return to France saw Voltaire's literary career flourish. He wrote a series of plays, poems, and essays that gained him both fame and notoriety. One of his most famous works, "Lettres philosophiques," or "Letters Concerning the English Nation" (1733), further explored the ideas he had encountered in England, praising the English for their religious tolerance and scientific advancements.
Voltaire's satirical novella, "Candide" (1759), is perhaps his most celebrated work. It is a biting critique of optimism in the face of human suffering and is still widely read today.
Voltaire was not content with being merely a literary figure. He used his influence to advocate for political and social change. He corresponded with various European leaders and philosophers, including Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia, advocating for religious tolerance and the promotion of reason.
Throughout his life, Voltaire engaged in numerous controversies and feuds, most notably with the Catholic Church and its clergy. He was a vocal critic of religious intolerance and abuse of power, famously declaring, "Écrasez l'infâme!" ("Crush the infamous thing!"), referring to religious fanaticism and superstition.
François-Marie Arouet, Voltaire, died on May 30, 1778, in Paris. Despite his controversial nature, he left an indelible mark on the Enlightenment era and European thought. His advocacy for reason, tolerance, and freedom of expression laid the groundwork for modern secularism and the principles of human rights.
Voltaire's works continue to be widely read and studied, and his ideas continue to influence contemporary discussions on issues such as freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the role of the individual in society. His legacy endures not only in literature but also in the enduring principles of the Enlightenment that he championed throughout his life.
