Voltaire
(1694–1778)

The outspoken writer Voltaire worked hard to fight injustice and to promote the ideals of tolerance and truth. Unfortunately, he did so in a manner that earned him a reputation as a troublemaker.

When introduced into Parisian society, his clever and witty personality won him a place at all the trendy gatherings. His satirical poems were quoted by the most fashionable of people. The trouble began when he was accused of writing satirical poems criticizing the late Louis XIV and the acting regent. For this infraction, he was first exiled and then sent to the Bastille for nearly a year.

During his first prison stay, he penned his first tragic drama, Oedipe, and began work on an epic poem. Shortly after the success of his drama, Voltaire was again in trouble and exiled from France. He spent his exile in England where he was much impressed by English philosopher John Locke's ideas of liberty and Sir Isaac Newton's scientific endeavors. This freedom of thought inspired him to become a champion of liberty and tolerance. Unfortunately, the combination of his fierce determination to help others and his argumentative nature kept him in trouble for the remainder of his life!

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