Voltaire

A Enlightenment philosopher and writer whose advocacy for civil liberties and satire reshaped European thought.

François-Marie Arouet (1694–1778), known as Voltaire, was a towering figure of the Enlightenment. His sharp critiques of religious intolerance and authoritarianism, notably in works like Candide (1759) and Treatise on Toleration (1763), challenged the status quo.

Voltaire's defense of freedom of speech—epitomized by his famous quote, 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it'—laid the foundation for modern human rights. His campaigns for judicial reform, such as in the Calas Affair, highlighted systemic injustices.

Though controversial in his time, Voltaire's ideas influenced revolutions, including the American and French Revolutions. His legacy endures in democratic principles and secular governance, making him a pivotal figure who made a difference in shaping modern society.