What was Voltaire's birth name?

Voltaire's birth name was François-Marie Arouet. He adopted the pen name Voltaire in 1718 after his incarceration in the Bastille.

When and where was Voltaire born?

Voltaire was born in Paris, France, on November 21, 1694.

What was Voltaire's primary occupation?

Voltaire was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher (philosophe), satirist, and historian.

What were some of Voltaire's key philosophical advocacies?

Voltaire was a strong advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state. He was also known for his criticism of Christianity, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, and his opposition to slavery.

How prolific was Voltaire as a writer?

Voltaire was exceptionally prolific, producing over 20,000 letters and more than 2,000 books and pamphlets across various literary forms, including plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical works.

What is considered Voltaire's best-known work and magnum opus?

Voltaire's best-known work and magnum opus is the novella Candide, ou l'Optimisme (Candide, or Optimism), published in 1759. This work satirizes philosophical optimism, particularly the ideas of Gottfried Leibniz.

Where did Voltaire receive his education?

Voltaire was educated by the Jesuits at the Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris, where he studied Latin, theology, and rhetoric.

What was Voltaire's father's profession and wish for his son?

Voltaire's father, François Arouet, was a lawyer and a minor treasury official. He wished for his son to become a lawyer, a path that Voltaire ultimately rejected to pursue writing.

What led to Voltaire's first imprisonment in the Bastille?

Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for eleven months due to a satirical verse in which he accused the Régent, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, of incest with his daughter.

What was the success of Voltaire's debut play, Oedipe?

Voltaire's debut play, Oedipe, premiered in November 1718 and achieved immediate critical and financial success, establishing his reputation as a playwright.

What was the origin of Voltaire's adoption of the name Voltaire?

Arouet adopted the name Voltaire in 1718 after his release from the Bastille. While the exact origin is unclear, it is thought to be an anagram of AROVET LI (a Latinized version of his surname) and the initial letters of le jeune (the young), or possibly a variant of a childhood nickname or family home town.

What was Voltaire's experience like during his exile in England?

During his exile in England from 1726 to 1728, Voltaire was influenced by Britain's constitutional monarchy, greater freedom of speech and religion, and its literature, particularly Shakespeare. He met prominent English figures and published essays in English.

What was the impact of Voltaire's Letters Concerning the English Nation?

Published in London in 1733 and later in Rouen as Lettres philosophiques, Voltaire's essays lauded British constitutional monarchy and religious tolerance, contrasting them with French absolutism. The book caused a scandal, was publicly burned, and led to Voltaire fleeing Paris again.

Who was Émilie du Châtelet and what was her relationship with Voltaire?

Émilie du Châtelet was a French mathematician and physicist whom Voltaire met in 1733. She became his mistress for 16 years, and they collaborated intellectually, studying science and history together at her château in Cirey.

How did Voltaire contribute to the popularization of Isaac Newton's work in France?

Voltaire's book, Elements of the Philosophy of Newton, made Newton's scientific theories accessible to a wider public and was instrumental in promoting the acceptance of Newton's ideas in France over those of Descartes.

What was Voltaire's view on the relationship between reason and faith?

Voltaire, a deist, believed that belief in a supreme being was a matter of reason, not faith. He stated, 'What is faith? Is it to believe that which is evident? No. It is perfectly evident to my mind that there exists a necessary, eternal, supreme, and intelligent being. This is no matter of faith, but of reason.'

How did Voltaire view other religions and ethnicities?

Voltaire advocated for the toleration of other religions and ethnicities, famously writing in an essay, 'What? The Turk my brother? The Chinaman my brother? The Jew? The Siam? Yes, without doubt; are we not all children of the same father and creatures of the same God?'

What were Voltaire's criticisms of Christianity and the Church?

Voltaire was highly critical of Christianity, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, and its institutions. He satirized religious dogma, intolerance, and what he perceived as the superstitious and often violent history of organized religion.

What was Voltaire's stance on the Bible?

Voltaire had a mixed view of the Bible, expressing skepticism about much of its content and criticizing the human origins of its dogmas and the actions of religious institutions. His views separated him from many theologians of his time.

What is the origin of the phrase 'Écrasez l'infâme' associated with Voltaire?

The phrase 'Écrasez l'infâme,' meaning 'crush the infamous,' was frequently used by Voltaire in his letters and writings. It referred to the abuses of power by religious and royal authorities, as well as the superstition and intolerance fomented by the clergy.

Is the famous quote 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it' attributable to Voltaire?

No, this famous quote is apocryphal and is incorrectly attributed to Voltaire. It was actually written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall in 1906 to summarize Voltaire's attitude towards freedom of speech, though it captures his spirit.

What was Voltaire's view on the French colonial policy in North America?

Voltaire was critical of France's colonial policy in North America, famously dismissing the vast territory of New France as 'a few acres of snow'.

How did Voltaire's views on history influence historiography?

Voltaire significantly influenced historiography by emphasizing fresh perspectives on the past, rejecting supernatural explanations, and suggesting the need for source investigation. He shifted focus from diplomatic and military events to customs, social history, and achievements in arts and sciences, treating Europe as a whole rather than isolated nations.

What were Voltaire's most well-known historical works?

Voltaire's most renowned historical works include the History of Charles XII (1731), The Age of Louis XIV (1751), and his Essay on Universal History, the Manners, and Spirit of Nations (1756).

What literary form did Voltaire excel in besides prose and history?

Voltaire was also a celebrated poet, writing two book-length epic poems, the Henriade and The Maid of Orleans, along with numerous shorter poetic works.

What was Voltaire's perspective on democracy?

Voltaire distrusted democracy, viewing it as a propagation of the 'idiocy of the masses.' He believed that an enlightened monarch was more effective in bringing about change, given the societal conditions and high illiteracy rates of his time.

How did Voltaire's views on race and slavery evolve or manifest?

Voltaire was a polygenist, speculating that races had separate origins, and often linked racial differences to attacks on religious orthodoxy. While he critiqued the slave trade, his views on race are complex and have been interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting his investments in colonial enterprises influenced his stance.

What did Voltaire say about the price of sugar in Europe in relation to slavery?

In Candide, Voltaire expressed horror at learning 'at what price we eat sugar in Europe' after encountering a mutilated slave in French Guiana. The slave noted that if all humans share common origins, it makes their mistreatment of each other even more egregious.

What was Voltaire's view on Confucianism?

Voltaire admired Confucian rationalism and ethics, seeing them as an alternative to Christian dogma. He praised the Chinese sociopolitical hierarchy as a model for Europe, noting Confucius's lack of pretense to prophecy or divine inspiration.

How did Voltaire's relationship with Frederick the Great deteriorate?

Voltaire's relationship with Frederick the Great soured due to accusations of theft and forgery by a financier, and Voltaire's satirical 'Diatribe of Doctor Akakia' which angered Frederick. This led to Voltaire's departure from Prussia.

What was Voltaire's opinion of Islam?

Voltaire's views on Islam were generally negative; he considered the Quran ignorant of physics and described Muhammad as a 'sublime charlatan,' a 'false prophet,' and a 'hypocrite.' However, he also acknowledged Islam's success in spreading monotheism and its good civil laws.

What was Voltaire's play Mahomet about, and what was his intention in writing it?

Voltaire's tragedy, Fanaticism, or Mahomet the Prophet, written in 1736, explored religious fanaticism and manipulation. He described it as being written in opposition to the founder of a 'false and barbarous sect,' intending to show the excesses of fanaticism led by an impostor.

What was Voltaire's view on Judaism?

Voltaire's views on Judaism were largely negative, with many articles in his Philosophical Dictionary describing Jews in consistently unfavorable terms. He expressed disdain for their perceived avarice, superstition, and hatred for other peoples, although some scholars suggest his attacks were aimed more at Christianity than Jews themselves.

Did Voltaire condemn the persecution of Jews?

Yes, Voltaire condemned the persecution of Jews on several occasions, including in his poem Henriade, and he never advocated for violence against them. He did, however, acknowledge criticism of his own remarks on Jews and promised revisions that he did not ultimately make.

How did Voltaire's views on Hinduism manifest?

Voltaire, a supporter of animal rights and a vegetarian, used the antiquity of Hinduism to challenge the Bible's claims. He acknowledged that Hindu treatment of animals showed a shaming alternative to the immorality of European imperialists.

What was Voltaire's relationship with Jean-Jacques Rousseau like?

Voltaire and Rousseau had a complex and often adversarial relationship. While Rousseau acknowledged Voltaire's influence, Voltaire famously critiqued Rousseau's 'Discourse on Inequality,' quipping that it made one want to walk on all fours, and dismissed his novel 'Julie' as a 'silly book.'

Where were Voltaire's remains eventually enshrined?

In 1791, Voltaire's remains were brought back to Paris and enshrined in the Panthéon, recognized by the National Assembly as a precursor to the French Revolution.

What was Voltaire's view on the French bourgeoisie and aristocracy?

Voltaire perceived the French bourgeoisie as too small and ineffective, and the aristocracy as parasitic and corrupt. He also viewed the common people as ignorant and superstitious, and the Church as an oppressive force.

What is the meaning of Voltaire's famous aphorism 'It is up to us to cultivate our garden'?

The conclusion 'It is up to us to cultivate our garden' from Voltaire's novella Candide signifies a shift towards a more pragmatic and grounded philosophy, moving away from abstract optimism towards practical action and personal responsibility in improving one's immediate surroundings.

How is Voltaire remembered and honored in France?

Voltaire is honored in France as a courageous polemicist who tirelessly fought for civil rights, such as the right to a fair trial and freedom of religion. He is remembered for denouncing the injustices and hypocrisies of the Ancien Régime.

What did Voltaire say about the necessity of inventing God?

Voltaire famously wrote, 'If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.' This statement, often misinterpreted as cynical, was intended as a retort to atheistic opponents and highlighted the perceived social necessity of religion.

What was Thomas Carlyle's critique of Voltaire's perspective on history?

Thomas Carlyle argued that Voltaire viewed history through a biased lens, suggesting he read it 'not with the eye of devout seer or even critic, but through a pair of mere anti-catholic spectacles.'

What is the significance of the town of Ferney in relation to Voltaire?

Voltaire lived in Ferney for the last 20 years of his life. The town was later officially renamed Ferney-Voltaire in his honor in 1878, and his château there is now a museum.

What is the Voltaire Foundation, and what has it accomplished?

The Voltaire Foundation, established at the University of Oxford, is dedicated to publishing the Complete Works of Voltaire. This monumental project has resulted in 205 volumes, completed in 2022, and also publishes the series Oxford University Studies in the Enlightenment.

What were some of Voltaire's notable plays?

Voltaire wrote around fifty to sixty plays, including tragedies such as Oedipe (1717), Mariamne (1724), Zaïre (1732), Mahomet (1741), and Irène (1778).

What was Voltaire's contribution to the understanding of the Age of Enlightenment?

Voltaire was a central figure of the Age of Enlightenment, embodying its spirit through his advocacy for reason, tolerance, and civil liberties, and his prolific writings that challenged religious and political authority.

How did Voltaire's writings influence later thinkers and movements?

Voltaire's ideas on freedom of speech, religion, and his critiques of intolerance and dogma profoundly influenced Enlightenment thinkers and later movements, including liberalism and the French Revolution. His legacy continues to inspire discussions on civil rights and intellectual freedom.

What is the meaning of Voltaire's phrase 'crush the infamous'?

Voltaire's repeated call to 'crush the infamous' referred to his campaign against religious and political abuses, superstition, and intolerance perpetuated by the clergy and authorities of his time.

What was Voltaire's view on the relationship between superstition and reason?

Voltaire believed that superstition led to harmful actions and societal conflict, famously stating, 'Superstition sets the whole world in flames; philosophy quenches them.' He championed reason and literacy as tools for progress and enlightenment.

What specific historical events or figures did Voltaire satirize in Candide?

In Candide, Voltaire satirized and criticized numerous events, thinkers, and philosophies of his era, most notably Gottfried Leibniz and his concept of the world being the 'best of all possible worlds.'

How did Voltaire's views on history differ from previous traditions?

Voltaire broke from traditional historiography by focusing less on diplomatic and military events and more on customs, social history, and achievements in arts and sciences. He aimed for a universal history, free from theological frameworks and nationalistic biases.

Voltaire Wiki: Voltaire: The Pen That Forged Enlightenment

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Early Life and Education

Origins and Upbringing

Born François-Marie Arouet on November 21, 1694, in Paris, Voltaire hailed from a family of modest means, with his father serving as a lawyer and treasury official. His mother's family belonged to the lower ranks of French nobility. Educated by the Jesuits at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, he demonstrated an early aptitude for writing and languages, mastering Latin and developing fluency in Italian, Spanish, and English.

Aspiring Writer

Against his father's wishes for him to pursue law, Voltaire harbored ambitions of becoming a writer. His early years were marked by literary pursuits in Paris, interspersed with periods of trouble with authorities due to his satirical critiques of the government and aristocracy. This led to his first imprisonment in the Bastille, a formative experience that solidified his resolve.

Early Travels and Influences

Voltaire's early career included a stint as a secretary to the French ambassador in the Netherlands. This period exposed him to different societies and fostered an appreciation for intellectual freedom. His subsequent exile in England (1726-1728) proved profoundly influential, shaping his views on constitutional monarchy, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance, which he later contrasted sharply with the conditions in France.

The Nom de Plume

Adoption of Voltaire

In 1718, following his release from the Bastille, Arouet adopted the pen name Voltaire. The origin of this pseudonym is multifaceted, likely stemming from an anagram of his surname, "Arouet le jeune" (Arouet the younger), and possibly incorporating connotations of speed and daring associated with words like "voltige" (acrobatics) and "volatile."

Strategic Choice

The adoption of "Voltaire" was a strategic move to distance himself from the less distinguished "Arouet" and to craft a public persona befitting his growing literary reputation. He utilized numerous pen names throughout his life, but Voltaire became synonymous with his sharp wit, critical intellect, and enduring literary output.

Literary and Public Career

Theatrical Success

Voltaire's theatrical debut with the tragedy Oedipe in 1718 marked a significant success, establishing his reputation. He continued to write plays, though not all achieved the same acclaim. His works often explored themes of justice, fate, and human nature, reflecting the intellectual currents of his time.

Advocacy and Exile

Voltaire's sharp critiques of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church frequently put him at odds with authorities, leading to periods of imprisonment and exile. His advocacy for civil liberties, particularly freedom of speech and religion, was a defining characteristic of his public life. His writings often challenged established norms and dogma.

Financial Acumen

Beyond his literary endeavors, Voltaire possessed considerable financial acumen. His participation in a successful lottery scheme and shrewd investments allowed him to amass significant wealth, granting him a degree of independence that facilitated his continued intellectual and critical pursuits.

Prolific Writings

Prose and Polemics

Voltaire's prose output was vast, encompassing essays, philosophical tales, and historical works. His best-known novella, Candide (1759), satirizes Leibnizian optimism and critiques societal follies. His Philosophical Dictionary (1764) offered sharp, often controversial, analyses of religious and philosophical concepts.

Historical Contributions

As a historian, Voltaire revolutionized the field by emphasizing social customs, cultural achievements, and a broader, more secular perspective. Works like The Age of Louis XIV (1751) and the Essay on the Customs and the Spirit of the Nations (1756) moved beyond traditional military and diplomatic narratives, focusing on the progress of civilization.

Poetic Works

Voltaire was also a prolific poet, producing epic poems such as La Henriade, which celebrated King Henry IV's efforts towards religious tolerance. While his poetry was immensely popular in his era, its style is often considered less accessible to modern readers compared to his more impactful prose.

Extensive Correspondence

Voltaire's voluminous correspondence, totaling over 20,000 letters, offers unparalleled insight into his thoughts, relationships, and the intellectual milieu of the Enlightenment. These letters reveal his wit, his friendships, and his continuous engagement with the pressing issues of his day.

Philosophical and Religious Views

Deism and Reason

A prominent deist, Voltaire believed in a supreme being, a creator God, accessible through reason rather than divine revelation. He championed rational inquiry and critical thinking, often contrasting the clarity of reason with the perceived irrationality and superstition inherent in organized religion.

Tolerance and Liberty

Voltaire was a fervent advocate for religious tolerance and freedom of speech. He relentlessly criticized religious intolerance, dogma, and the abuses of power by both church and state. His famous motto, "Écrasez l'infâme" ("Crush the infamous"), targeted superstition and injustice.

Critique of Institutions

His writings frequently challenged the authority and practices of the Catholic Church, as well as the structures of absolute monarchy. Voltaire's critical stance aimed to dismantle oppressive systems and promote a more just and enlightened society based on individual rights and secular governance.

Views on Race and Slavery

Polygenism and Critique

Voltaire rejected the biblical account of a single human origin, often speculating on polygenism—the idea of separate racial origins. While this stance has been interpreted in various ways, it often served as a rhetorical tool to critique religious orthodoxy. His views on racial differences were complex and sometimes contradictory.

Condemnation of Slavery

Despite his controversial views on race, Voltaire strongly condemned the slave trade, notably in his work Candide, where he depicted the horrors faced by enslaved individuals. He critiqued the hypocrisy of Europeans who profited from the enslavement of Africans, highlighting the moral inconsistencies of the practice.

Nuanced Perspectives

While Voltaire's writings contain passages that have been interpreted as anti-Semitic and critical of various religious groups, scholars debate the extent and nature of his prejudices. Some argue his critiques were primarily aimed at religious institutions and dogma, rather than specific peoples, and that he sometimes praised the tolerance or industry of certain groups.

Appreciation and Influence

Shaping the Enlightenment

Voltaire is widely regarded as a central figure of the Enlightenment, profoundly influencing its intellectual and cultural trajectory. His emphasis on reason, tolerance, and individual liberty resonated across Europe and beyond, inspiring subsequent generations of thinkers, writers, and revolutionaries.

Global Impact

His ideas contributed significantly to the development of modern historiography, political philosophy, and literature. Figures like Goethe, Napoleon, and Catherine the Great acknowledged his impact, and his writings continue to be studied for their insights into human rights, secularism, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Legacy in Thought

Voltaire's legacy lies in his relentless pursuit of truth and justice, his masterful use of satire to expose societal ills, and his unwavering defense of intellectual freedom. He remains a symbol of the Enlightenment's critical spirit and its enduring quest for a more rational and humane world.

Voltaire and Rousseau

Intellectual Rivalry

Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, though contemporaries and key figures of the Enlightenment, maintained a complex and often contentious relationship. Their differing philosophies on human nature, society, and the role of reason created a notable intellectual rivalry.

Contrasting Philosophies

While Voltaire championed reason, progress, and the arts, Rousseau emphasized emotion, the natural state of humanity, and a critique of civilization's corrupting influence. Their public exchanges and private correspondence reveal stark contrasts in their worldviews, contributing to the intellectual dynamism of the era.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Voltaire" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about voltaire while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

grand prix of toronto

a. wallis myers

balance of performance

Ștefan t ârnovanu

twenty thousand leagues under the seas

fit for 55

koklass pheasant

laminar flow

switzerland in the napoleonic era

top500

References

Written and published in 1748 in Volume IV of the Åuvres de Voltaire, following his Tragedy of Mahomet.

Fitzpatrick, Martin (2000). "Toleration and the Enlightenment Movement" in Grell/Porter, Toleration in Enlightenment Europe, p. 64, footnote 91, Cambridge University Press

Peter Gay, The Enlightenment â An Interpretation, Volume 2: The Science of Freedom, Wildwood House, London, 1973, pp. 88â89.

Paul Hazard, European thought in the eighteenth century from Montesquieu to Lessing (1954). pp 402â15.

Voltaire. W. Dugdale, A Philosophical Dictionary ver 2, 1843, p. 473 sec 1. Retrieved 31 October 2007.

Voltaire (1763) A Treatise on Toleration

Harrison, Peter (2017). "'I Believe Because It Is Absurd': The Enlightenment Invention of Tertullian's Credo". Church History 86.2: 350â59.

Thomas E. Woods, How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization (Regnery Publishing 2005) pp. 169â70

Gay, P. The Party of Humanity: Essays in the French Enlightenment. Alfred Knopf, 1964, pp. 103â05.

Hertzberg, A. The French Enlightenment and the Jews. Columbia University, 1968, p. 284.

(Schwarzbach, Bertram), "Voltaire et les juifs: bilan et plaidoyer", Studies on Voltaire and the Eighteenth Century (SVEC) 358, Oxford

Voltaire, Essais sur les MÅurs, 1756, Chap. VI. â De l'Arabie et de Mahomet.

Â« Essai sur les MÅurs et l'Esprit des Nations Â» (1756), dans Åuvres complÃ¨tes de Voltaire, Voltaire. Moland, 1875, Vol. 11, Chap. VII â De l'Alcoran, et de la loi musulmane, p. 244.

Voltaire, Mahomet the Prophet or Fanaticism: A Tragedy in Five Acts, trans. Robert L. Myers, (New York: Frederick Ungar, 1964).

Voltaire, Le Fanatisme ou Mahomet le prophÃ¨te (1741), Åuvres complÃ¨tes. Garnier, 1875, Vol.4, p135.

Stark, Rodney, For the Glory of God: How Monotheism Led to Reformations, Science, Witch-Hunts, and the End of Slavery (2003), p. 359

Miller, Christopher L., The French Atlantic triangle: literature and culture of the slave trade (2008) pp. x, 7, 73, 77

Ashburton Guardian: "A Protest", 21 October 1889

The Complete Works of Voltaire are complete at voltaire.ox.ac.uk

A full list of references for this article are available at the Voltaire Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical, philosophical, or literary consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified academics or experts for specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Voltaire: The Pen That Forged Enlightenment

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Education 👶

📜 Origins and Upbringing

✍️ Aspiring Writer

🌍 Early Travels and Influences

The Nom de Plume ✒️

💡 Adoption of Voltaire

🤔 Strategic Choice

Literary and Public Career 🏛️

🎭 Theatrical Success

⚖️ Advocacy and Exile

💰 Financial Acumen

Prolific Writings 📚

📖 Prose and Polemics

📜 Historical Contributions

🎵 Poetic Works

✉️ Extensive Correspondence

Philosophical and Religious Views 💡

🌟 Deism and Reason

🕊️ Tolerance and Liberty

⚔️ Critique of Institutions

Views on Race and Slavery ⚖️

🌍 Polygenism and Critique

⛓️ Condemnation of Slavery

🤔 Nuanced Perspectives

Appreciation and Influence ⭐

💡 Shaping the Enlightenment

🌍 Global Impact

🏛️ Legacy in Thought

Voltaire and Rousseau 🤝

📜 Intellectual Rivalry

💬 Contrasting Philosophies

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Education

Origins and Upbringing

Aspiring Writer

Early Travels and Influences

The Nom de Plume

Adoption of Voltaire

Strategic Choice

Literary and Public Career

Theatrical Success

Advocacy and Exile

Financial Acumen

Prolific Writings

Prose and Polemics

Historical Contributions

Poetic Works

Extensive Correspondence

Philosophical and Religious Views

Deism and Reason

Tolerance and Liberty

Critique of Institutions

Views on Race and Slavery

Polygenism and Critique

Condemnation of Slavery

Nuanced Perspectives

Appreciation and Influence

Shaping the Enlightenment

Global Impact

Legacy in Thought

Voltaire and Rousseau

Intellectual Rivalry

Contrasting Philosophies

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice