Voltaire – O Pensador Sarcástico do Iluminismo - Os Grandes Pensadores

Summary

François-Marie Arouet, better known by his pen name Voltaire, was a renowned French writer, philosopher, and a key figure of the Enlightenment. Known for his wit and critical thinking, Voltaire's works often challenged authority, superstition, and the established social order. His life was marked by imprisonment, exile, and controversies. Voltaire's most famous works, including 'Candide' and 'Micromégas', continue to provoke thought on philosophy, freedom, and reason. His legacy endures as one of the most influential thinkers in history, with a vast literary output that continues to inspire reflection and discussion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet, was a legendary writer, philosopher, and a key figure of the Enlightenment, known for his sharp wit and criticism of authority.
• 😀 Despite his frail health at birth, Voltaire survived and grew up to be a brilliant and rebellious mind, challenging social norms and institutions.
• 😀 Voltaire was frequently exiled and imprisoned for his satirical writings, which often criticized the government, church, and nobility.
• 😀 After his time in prison, Voltaire adopted his pen name and became famous for works like 'Édipo' and 'Candide', which were controversial but widely acclaimed.
• 😀 During his exile in England, Voltaire was influenced by English culture and philosophy, particularly the works of John Locke and Isaac Newton.
• 😀 Voltaire’s writings often tackled issues of superstition, intolerance, and the importance of reason, advocating for intellectual freedom and individual thinking.
• 😀 Voltaire’s most famous work, 'Candide', is a philosophical satire that critiques optimism and explores the absurdities of life.
• 😀 Voltaire also created the 'Philosophical Dictionary', which became one of the first portable books, making knowledge more accessible to the public.
• 😀 Despite his criticisms of the French clergy, Voltaire's works often led to censorship, with books being burned and Voltaire facing repeated imprisonment and exile.
• 😀 Voltaire’s legacy endures through his prolific literary output, including essays, plays, novels, and letters, all of which continue to inspire critical thought and debate.
• 😀 Voltaire passed away in 1778, and his remains were later moved to the Panthéon in Paris, where he was celebrated for his contributions to philosophy and freedom of thought.

Q & A

What was Voltaire's real name?

Voltaire's real name was François-Marie Arouet.

Why did Voltaire choose to use a pseudonym?

Voltaire chose to use a pseudonym to avoid trouble with authorities, as his critical writings often led to imprisonment and exile.

What significant literary movement did Voltaire belong to?

Voltaire was one of the key figures of the Enlightenment movement, alongside thinkers like Rousseau and Montesquieu.

What were the consequences of Voltaire's satirical writings?

Voltaire's satirical writings led to multiple imprisonments, temporary exiles, and even the burning of some of his manuscripts.

What book by Voltaire is inspired by the Lisbon earthquake?

Voltaire's most famous work inspired by the Lisbon earthquake is 'Candide, or Optimism'.

How did Voltaire contribute to the criticism of the church and superstition?

Voltaire used his writings to criticize the church, superstition, and the intolerance of the time, advocating for reason, liberty, and intellectual independence.

What influence did Voltaire have in England?

While in England, Voltaire was deeply influenced by the works of philosophers like John Locke and scientists like Isaac Newton. He admired the country's political and intellectual freedom.

What was Voltaire's relationship with Frederick the Great of Prussia?

Voltaire initially rejected an invitation from Frederick the Great, but after the death of his former lover, he accepted an invitation to the Prussian court. However, his stay ended with conflicts and a subsequent imprisonment.

What was the impact of Voltaire's 'Dictionnaire philosophique'?

Voltaire's 'Dictionnaire philosophique' is notable for being the first portable book of its kind, and it contributed to the widespread dissemination of philosophical knowledge in an accessible and simplified manner.

What were the last words of Voltaire before his death?

Before his death, Voltaire's last words were: 'I am dying, but I love God, my friends, and I do not hate my enemies.'