Voltaire was a fervent believer in freedom of speech, rational thought, and social reform. He viewed society as an organism that could only survive and thrive through the continuous exchange of ideas and the eradication of superstition. He asserted that reason should be the guiding principle of mankind and believed in the power of the human mind to grasp the nature of the universe and to create a just society. This vision is evident in his numerous works which challenged the existing societal norms, religious dogma and political institutions of his time.
Voltaire, whose real name was François-Marie Arouet, was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. He was a prolific writer, philosopher, and historian, known for his wit, satire, and advocacy for civil liberties. His father, Francois Arouet, was a minor treasury official and a man of some means. Voltaire was educated by the Jesuits at the College Louis-le-Grand in Paris from 1704 to 1711. After leaving school, Voltaire decided to become a writer, which was not a well-regarded profession at that time. His father wanted him to study law, but Voltaire was determined and proved to be highly successful. His first success came with a reworking of Sophocles Oedipus in 1718. In 1726, after a series of clashes with the French authorities, Voltaire was exiled to England. This stay left a profound impression on him, and he became an ardent admirer of Britains constitutional monarchy and its tolerance towards freedom of speech and religion. On his return to France, he began his career as a historian and philosopher. He wrote numerous essays, poems, and books, including Candide, Zadig, and Philosophical Dictionary. Voltaire spent the last 20 years of his life in Geneva, where he continued to write and philosophize until his death on May 30, 1778.
Being one of the most renowned figures of the French Enlightenment, Voltaire did not receive official awards or recognition during his lifetime due to his contentious relationship with the French authorities and the Catholic Church. However, his works were widely read and appreciated, and he was acknowledged as an influential figure by the intellectual elites of the time. His legacy has only grown since his death, with numerous institutions and awards named in his honor. The Voltaire Prize, established by the University of Cambridge, rewards outstanding researches in areas related to Voltaires concerns. The Voltaire Foundation at the University of Oxford is also dedicated to the exploration of the Enlightenment through scholarly research and publication.
Read More:
