How Did Voltaire Contribute To The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was the period in European history when people used reason to understand and improve society. In fact, the Enlightenment is also referred as “The Age of Reason”. This was a very important period of time because of philosophers that encouraged new ideas and use of reason. Enlightenment philosophers believed that society could be improved by using purpose and natural law. They believed that governments receive their authority from the people and not from god. They also believed in democracy, a government where the people have a right to say. There were many important philosophers that impacted the enlightenment. One of the greatest enlightenment philosophers was Voltaire, an outspoken enemy of every injustice, especially of

He was the son of a successful notary born on November 21 1694 in Paris, France when France was one of the richest and most powerful nations in the world. Yet many of the kingdoms subjects lived in poverty while the nobility enjoyed lives of privilege. Voltaire was a clever child and was educated by the Jesuits at the College Louis-le-Grand from 1704 to 1711, where he was praised for his skills at writing verse. Voltaire displayed “an astonishing talent for poetry, cultivated a love of the theater, and nourished a keen ambition.” After college Voltaire decided to become a writer however; his father wanted him to become a lawyer. Therefore, he pretended to work in Paris as an assistant to a lawyer, when actually spent much of his time writing satirical poetry. Soon “his quick wit and light verse made him widely known.” Voltaire became a desired guest in the noble’s home and salons in Paris. He was famous for his writings being written in a unique tone, reflecting themes of religion, politics, science, history and philosophy. However, his sharp wit and popularity had upset some among Paris cultural