“ We never live; we are always in the expectation of living. “
Quotes by Voltaire
Introducing Voltaire
Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, criticism of the Catholic Church, and advocacy of freedom of speech, religion, and separation of church and state. He is one of France's greatest writers, producing works that range from plays and novels to essays and historical studies. His most famous work, Candide (1759), satirized society and optimism, reflecting his skepticism of human nature and authority. Voltaire was a vocal opponent of tyranny and religious dogma, championing reason, tolerance, and civil liberties throughout his life. His ideas greatly influenced the intellectual movement of the Enlightenment and modern thought on human rights. Voltaire died in 1778 but left a lasting impact on Western philosophy and literature.