François-Marie Arouet, later known as Voltaire, was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. He came from a middle-class family and received an excellent education at the Collège Louis-le-Grand. During this time, he developed a passion for literature and writing.

Voltaire began his literary career as a playwright and poet. He gained recognition for his sharp wit and satirical writing style. However, his early works often got him into trouble with the authorities due to their controversial nature.

In 1726, Voltaire was imprisoned in the Bastille for nearly a year after offending the French government and aristocracy in his writings. After his release, he adopted the pen name “Voltaire” and went into exile in England for three years, where he was influenced by the works of English thinkers and writers like John Locke and Isaac Newton.

Voltaire returned to France and continued his prolific writing career. He wrote plays, essays, letters, and philosophical treatises. One of his notable works is the satirical novella “Candide” (1759), a critique of optimism and a reflection on the human condition.

Voltaire was a proponent of reason, tolerance, and individual freedom. He criticized religious intolerance and injustice and advocated for a more enlightened society. His ideas greatly influenced the French Enlightenment and had a lasting impact on the development of liberal and democratic thought.

Voltaire’s writings made a significant impact not only in France but also across Europe. He inspired later generations of thinkers and writers and contributed to the intellectual foundation of modern democratic societies. His advocacy for freedom of thought and expression continues to be celebrated today.

Voltaire died on May 30, 1778, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual inquiry, wit, and a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and liberty.