Voltaire, originally named François-Marie Arouet, was a prominent French writer, historian, and philosopher, born on November 21, 1694, in Paris. He became one of the central figures of the European Enlightenment, a movement characterized by an emphasis on reason and individualism over tradition. Voltaire’s work was prolific across multiple genres, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical and scientific works. His sharp wit and critical style often targeted injustice and organized religion, leading to controversies that included imprisonment and exile.

Voltaire’s literary output was not only vast but also influential. He is best known for works like “Candide,” which satirizes the notion of optimistic philosophy prevalent during his time. This work, among others, helped shape the cultural landscape of the 18th century by challenging the social and political structures of the day. Voltaire’s advocacy for civil liberties, including freedom of religion and expression, left a lasting impact on both the French and American revolutions. His death on May 30, 1778, in Paris marked the end of an era for French intellectual life, but his ideas continue to influence discussions on civil rights and enlightenment philosophy to this day.