Quotes from Voltaire

Voltaire (1694-1778) was a French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and historian who is known for his wit, his criticism of organized religion, and his advocacy of civil liberties. Born François-Marie Arouet, he took the pen name Voltaire later in life. Voltaire's works include plays, poetry, novels, and essays on a wide range of topics, including politics, history, and philosophy. He is perhaps best known for his novel "Candide," a satirical work that criticizes optimism and the philosophical belief that we live in the best of all possible worlds. Voltaire was a champion of free speech and religious tolerance, and he wrote extensively in defense of these values. He was a prolific writer who produced over 20,000 letters and 2,000 books and pamphlets during his lifetime. Today, Voltaire is regarded as one of the greatest French writers and thinkers of all time, and his ideas have had a profound impact on Western thought and culture.