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Voltaire - Biography

Biography a: The Great Philosopher of Enlightenment and Literary Genius

Voltaire is a name that ranks with the great French writers and philosophers. His life and work had a huge impact on the development of French literature, philosophy and society as a whole. In this biography, we look at key moments in Voltaire's life and work.

Voltaire, whose real name is François-Marie Arouet, was born on November 21, 1694 in Paris, France. His childhood was spent in a bourgeois family, and his parents dreamed of a son's career in the legal field. However, young Voltaire leaned towards literature and philosophy and began writing poetry and essays at an early age.

With his first publication, Voltaire made the drama Oedipe in 1718. This work caused great attention and became the starting point of his literary career. However, his spiky satirical poems and plays attracted hostile attention from the authorities, and Voltaire had to relocate to England, where he spent more than two years immersing himself in English literature and philosophy.

After returning to France, Voltaire became one of the most famous and sought-after writers of his time. His works, such as "Philosophical Letters" (Lettres philosophiques) and "Candide" (Candide), gained popularity and became symbols of enlightened thought. Voltaire used his talent to ridicule religious fanatics, corrupt officials and the shortcomings of the society of his time.

Voltaire was a passionate advocate of education and free speech. His philosophical views were expressed in his works and public speeches. He espoused the idea of reason, science, and rational thought as a means of overcoming ignorance and superstition. His struggle for freedom of speech and expression had an important impact on the formation of human rights and social values.