Voltaire

Voltaire was one of the most influential figures of the French Enlightenment, a period of intellectual and cultural flourishing in the 18th century. He was a prolific writer who produced works in almost every literary genre, including plays, poems, novels, essays, histories, and scientific expositions. He was famous for his wit, his criticism of Christianity and other forms of superstition and intolerance, and his advocacy of civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and separation of church and state. He was also a successful businessman who invested in various enterprises and supported many causes and charities. He was involved in many controversies and conflicts with the authorities and the establishment, which often resulted in his imprisonment, exile, or censorship. He spent most of his life in France, but also lived in England, Prussia, Switzerland, and other countries. He died in Paris at the age of 83 and was initially buried in a secret location to avoid the confiscation of his body by the church. Later, he was moved to the Panthéon, a mausoleum for distinguished French citizens.