Born in Paris in 1694 with the name Francois Marie Arouet, he was a philosopher, poet, essayist, and author of Candide. Who was he?

The brilliant and provocative writer known to history as Voltaire was indeed born François-Marie Arouet in Paris in 1694. He adopted his famous pen name in 1718, likely to mark a break from his past after a stint in the Bastille prison. A versatile and prolific author, he penned works in nearly every literary form, but he is best remembered for his satirical novella *Candide* (1759), which critiques unchecked optimism and the hardships of the human condition.

As perhaps the most influential figure of the French Enlightenment, Voltaire used his sharp wit as a weapon. He tirelessly advocated for civil liberties, including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state. His pointed criticisms of the Catholic Church and the absolute monarchy of France made him a controversial figure, forcing him into exile on several occasions. His relentless attacks on intolerance and his defense of reason had a profound impact that echoed far beyond France, heavily influencing the thinkers who would lead the American and French Revolutions and cementing his legacy as a champion of human rights.