Voltaire is the pen name for Francois-Marie Arouet who was
born in France in 1694. Voltaire was an Enlightenment thinker who was a strong
supporter of freedom of thought and expression and spoke out for the right of free
speech. He is credited with the quote “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend
to the death your right to say it.” He was concerned with religious freedom and was
critical of the Catholic Church because he felt it discouraged freedom of thought. He
believed in an “enlightened monarch”, that is, a monarch who studied the science of
government, was advised by philosophers such as himself, and protected the basic rights
of people.
If you go to the website
History, then click on Golden Ages. On the left side of that page click on
Enlightenment. You will find a little bit of information about
Voltaire.
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