Voltaire
"If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticise."― Voltaire
Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was a pivotal figure in the French Enlightenment, renowned for his sharp wit, prolific writing, and fearless critique of authority. A philosopher, playwright, and satirist, he championed reason, individual liberty, and religious tolerance, shaping modern intellectual thought. His works, including Candide and Letters on the English, challenged the dogmas of the Catholic Church and absolutist monarchy, earning him both admiration and enmity.
Voltaire’s early life was marked by a Jesuit education, which honed his rhetorical skills but also fueled his scepticism of religious orthodoxy. His outspokenness led to multiple imprisonments in the Bastille and periods of exile, notably in England, where he absorbed ideas of constitutional monarchy and religious pluralism. These experiences informed his advocacy for civil liberties and his belief that “men are equal; it is not birth but virtue that makes the difference.”
His masterpiece, Candide (1759), a satirical novella, critiques blind optimism and exposes the absurdities of war, religion, and human suffering. Through biting irony, Voltaire mocked the philosophy of Leibniz, encapsulated in the phrase “all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds.” His Philosophical Dictionary further showcased his ability to distil complex ideas into accessible, provocative critiques of superstition and injustice.
Voltaire’s influence extended beyond literature. He corresponded with monarchs like Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great, pushing for reforms, though he remained wary of unchecked power.
His defence of free speech—“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it”—remains a cornerstone of liberal thought. Despite his wealth and fame, Voltaire lived modestly in later years at Ferney, advocating for the oppressed and fostering intellectual debate. He died in 1778, leaving a legacy of rational inquiry and moral courage that continues to inspire.
The Body Of Work
Candide (1759)
Voltaire’s most famous work, Candide, follows a young man, Candide, who travels the world encountering a series of absurd and tragic misfortunes. It is a sharp satire on blind optimism, particularly the philosophy of Leibniz (parodied as Dr. Pangloss’s belief that we live in “the best of all possible worlds”).
2. Letters on the English (Lettres philosophiques, 1733)
A series of essays comparing French and English society, praising the English constitutional monarchy, religious tolerance, and scientific advancement. The book was banned in France for its criticism of the French government and the Catholic Church.
3. Treatise on Tolerance (Traité sur la tolérance, 1763)
Written in response to the wrongful execution of Jean Calas, this work is a powerful plea for religious tolerance and judicial reform. It remains one of Voltaire’s most enduring contributions to human rights discourse.
4. Philosophical Dictionary (Dictionnaire philosophique, 1764)
A series of alphabetically arranged articles that criticise religion, superstition, and dogma, and promote reason, science, and freedom of thought. It is witty, sharp, and highly influential in Enlightenment thinking.
5. Zadig (1747)
A Persian tale of a young man named Zadig who faces various trials and injustices. Like Candide, it mixes exotic storytelling with philosophical reflection on fate, justice, and human folly.
6. The Age of Louis XIV (Le Siècle de Louis XIV, 1751)
A detailed history of the reign of Louis XIV, emphasising cultural and intellectual achievements. Voltaire helped shift history writing toward a more secular and analytical approach.
Big Takeaways
1. Champion of Freedom of Thought and Speech
Voltaire fiercely defended the right to express one’s opinions, even if they were unpopular or critical of authority. Though the famous quote "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" was paraphrased by a biographer, it captures his attitude perfectly.
2. Critique of Religious Intolerance and Fanaticism
Voltaire relentlessly criticised organised religion, especially the Catholic Church, for promoting intolerance, superstition, and persecution. His Treatise on Tolerance and Philosophical Dictionary attack religious cruelty and advocate for a more rational and humane approach to belief.
3. Emphasis on Reason and Empiricism
As a key Enlightenment figure, Voltaire believed in the power of reason, science, and empirical evidence to improve society. He distrusted metaphysical speculation and instead promoted practical knowledge and rational inquiry.
4. Satire as a Weapon Against Injustice
Voltaire used wit and satire—especially in Candide—to expose the absurdities of blind optimism, corrupt governments, and unjust social structures. Humour, for him, was not just entertainment but a tool of social and political critique.
5. Advocacy for Civil Liberties and Judicial Reform
He was deeply concerned with injustice and abuse of power, particularly in the legal system. His involvement in the Jean Calas case led to calls for judicial reform and greater fairness, laying early groundwork for modern human rights thinking.