Voltaire

Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet on November 21, 1694, in Paris, is best known for his satirical novella "Candide" (1759). This work, a scathing critique of optimism and society, remains a cornerstone of Enlightenment literature. In 1733, he published "Letters Concerning the English Nation," which praised British institutions and criticized French ones, leading to his temporary exile. Voltaire’s "Essay on the Customs and the Spirit of the Nations" (1756) was a pioneering work in historiography, emphasizing cultural history over mere political events. He died on May 30, 1778, in Paris.