Voltaire: The Luminary of Enlightenment (1694 - 1778)

Voltaire, a leading figure of the French Enlightenment, was born in Paris in 1694. His prolific writings encompassed philosophy, literature, history, and social commentary, advocating for reason, tolerance, and freedom of thought. Among his notable works is the satirical novella "Candide," published in 1759, which critiques the prevailing optimism of his era through the misadventures of its titular character. Voltaire's sharp wit and incisive critiques challenged established authority and sparked intellectual debate across Europe. Despite facing censorship and persecution for his controversial ideas, Voltaire's influence on Enlightenment thought and his advocacy for civil liberties remain enduring legacies of his intellectual legacy.