Voltaire - Quotes Collection: Biography, Achievements And Life Lessons

By Quotes Metaverse

VOLTAIRE - QUOTES COLLECTION

BIOGRAPHY, ACHIEVEMENTS AND LIFE LESSONS

 

ABOUT VOLTAIRE

François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. The youngest of five children, he grew up in a middle-class family with a fa

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quotes Metaverse
• Release date: Mar 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869228536

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BRIEF BIOGRAPHY

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:

François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. The youngest of five children, he grew up in a middle-class family with a father who was a notary and a mother from a noble family. Despite a traditional education, Voltaire exhibited a sharp intellect and a wit that would later define his literary works.

Voltaire's early education was at the Jesuit Collège Louis-le-Grand, where he excelled in humanities and classical studies. However, he often clashed with the authorities due to his irreverent attitude and independent thinking. His passion for literature and his natural inclination toward skepticism hinted at the intellectual provocateur he would become.

EARLY LITERARY ENDEAVORS:

After leaving school, Voltaire pursued law, as his father wished, but his heart was set on literature. His early poetic works gained attention, and his wit became a notable feature. However, his burgeoning literary career faced an abrupt halt when he was exiled to Tulle for satirical verses about the French regent. It was during this period of exile that he adopted the name Voltaire, a play on his family name and indicative of his irrepressible spirit.

RETURN TO PARIS AND LITERARY SUCCESS:

Voltaire returned to Paris in 1717, and his literary prowess gained momentum. He became a prominent figure in Parisian salons, engaging with intellectuals and earning the patronage of influential individuals. In 1722, he found himself imprisoned in the Bastille for eleven months without a trial due to his satirical writings. This experience further fueled his disdain for arbitrary authority and reinforced his commitment to free expression.

EXILE IN ENGLAND:

Voltaire's intellectual journey led him to England in 1726, a pivotal period that significantly shaped his philosophical outlook. Inspired by English thinkers such as John Locke and Isaac Newton, he absorbed Enlightenment ideals centered around reason, empirical inquiry, and religious tolerance. The English system, with its constitutional monarchy and separation of powers, left an indelible mark on his political philosophy.

PHILOSOPHICAL LETTERS AND ENLIGHTENMENT ADVOCACY:

Upon returning to France in 1729, Voltaire published Lettres philosophiques (Philosophical Letters), a collection of essays where he extolled the virtues of English governance and critiqued the French political and religious establishments. The work became immensely popular but also led to his exile from Paris. Voltaire settled in Cirey-sur-Blaise, where he collaborated with Émilie du Châtelet, a brilliant mathematician and his companion for the next fifteen years.

CANDIDE: A SATIRICAL MASTERPIECE:

In 1759, Voltaire published his magnum opus, Candide, ou l'Optimisme (Candide, or Optimism). This satirical novella, a scathing critique of Leibnizian optimism, follows the adventures of the optimistic Candide as he navigates a world filled with tragedy and absurdity. Through Candide's journey, Voltaire dismantles the notion that ours is the best of all possible worlds, highlighting the harsh realities of human existence.

PHILOSOPHICAL CONTRIBUTIONS:

Voltaire's philosophical contributions extended beyond literature. He delved into metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. His exploration of these topics, often presented