Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was a leading figure of the Enlightenment, a movement that championed reason, science, and individual rights over tradition and authority.
As a philosopher, writer, historian, and advocate for justice, Voltaire’s influence shaped the intellectual, political, and cultural landscapes of Europe and beyond.
Known for his sharp wit and relentless criticism of religious dogma, tyranny, and social inequality, he produced a vast body of work that tackled some of the most pressing issues of his time.
His ideas not only laid the groundwork for modern human rights and legal reforms but also inspired major political revolutions in France and America.
Accomplishments of Voltaire
1. Advocated for Freedom of Speech and Civil Liberties
Voltaire’s defense of free speech and civil liberties became a defining feature of his legacy, making him a symbol of the Enlightenment’s values. He consistently argued against censorship and repression, believing that open debate and the exchange of ideas were essential to societal progress.
His opposition to authoritarian rule often put him in conflict with government authorities and religious leaders, but Voltaire remained steadfast in his belief that the right to express one’s opinions, even controversial ones, was fundamental to human dignity.
Though the famous phrase attributed to him, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it,” was written after his death, it perfectly embodies his ideals.
2. Criticized Religious Dogma and Advocated for Religious Tolerance
Voltaire was deeply critical of religious dogma and fanaticism, often targeting the Catholic Church’s abuses of power and intolerance toward minority faiths. His Treatise on Tolerance, written in 1763, was a landmark work that defended religious minorities and promoted the coexistence of different beliefs.
It emerged from Voltaire’s passionate response to the unjust execution of Jean Calas, a Protestant falsely accused of killing his son to prevent a conversion to Catholicism.
In the Treatise, Voltaire condemned the legal system that had allowed such injustice and called for reforms grounded in reason and compassion. His broader critique of religious extremism remains relevant to modern discussions on religious freedom and tolerance.
3. Authored the Satirical Masterpiece Candide (1759)
One of Voltaire’s most famous works, Candide is a biting satire that critiques the prevailing philosophical optimism of the time, especially the ideas of German philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.
Through the misadventures of its protagonist, Candide, Voltaire explores the harsh realities of human suffering, war, and injustice, mocking the notion that everything happens for the best in a divinely ordered world.
The novel’s humor, wit, and sharp critique of authority made it a sensation in its time and cemented its status as a classic of world literature. Candide was banned in many places due to its provocative content, but its impact on literary satire and philosophical thought remains profound.
4. Reformed Historical Writing
Voltaire revolutionized the way history was written by shifting the focus from political events and military conquests to cultural, economic, and social developments.
In works like The Age of Louis XIV and Essay on the Customs and the Spirit of Nations, Voltaire emphasized the importance of understanding the broader context of historical events, including the contributions of arts, sciences, and social customs.
This approach marked a departure from traditional chronicles of kings and battles, setting the stage for modern historiography. Voltaire’s historical works sought to explain how societies evolved and how ideas shaped civilizations, a method that profoundly influenced later historians.
5. Advocated for Enlightened Despotism
Although Voltaire was a critic of absolute monarchy, he believed that certain monarchs, if guided by reason and enlightened principles, could implement reforms and improve society. This belief in “enlightened despotism” led him to correspond with and influence rulers such as Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia.
Voltaire believed that such leaders, educated in the values of the Enlightenment, could abolish feudalism, promote education, reform legal systems, and protect freedom of thought. His advocacy for enlightened despotism was pragmatic, reflecting his skepticism about the masses’ ability to self-govern effectively without the guidance of rational leaders.
6. Fought for Justice and Individual Rights
Voltaire’s commitment to justice went beyond theoretical arguments; he actively campaigned to correct specific cases of legal and social injustice. His most notable intervention was in the case of Jean Calas, a Protestant merchant wrongfully convicted and executed for allegedly murdering his son.
Voltaire launched a relentless campaign to clear Calas’s name, using his influence, writings, and connections to expose the legal and religious biases involved. His efforts led to the posthumous exoneration of Calas and highlighted the flaws in France’s judicial system. Voltaire’s work in this area inspired future movements advocating for legal reform and human rights.
7. Championed Scientific Progress
Voltaire was a strong advocate for the scientific revolution and the ideas of thinkers like Isaac Newton. He helped introduce Newton’s theories of gravity and motion to a broader French audience through works such as Elements of the Philosophy of Newton.
Unlike many contemporaries who saw science as separate from everyday life, Voltaire believed scientific knowledge was essential to human progress and societal reform. His promotion of empirical reasoning and the scientific method was central to Enlightenment thinking.
Voltaire’s belief in the power of reason and evidence extended beyond science, influencing his views on politics, religion, and education.
8. Prolific Writer and Influential Thinker
Voltaire’s literary output was immense, comprising over 20,000 letters, pamphlets, essays, plays, novels, and historical works. His writings were not confined to one genre or field; he explored topics as diverse as philosophy, science, history, and social criticism.
His letters, in particular, reflect his influence across Europe, as he corresponded with intellectuals, monarchs, and reformers. Voltaire’s writing style was sharp, witty, and accessible, which helped spread Enlightenment ideals to a wide audience.
His ability to engage readers through humor and satire ensured that his works remained influential long after his death.
9. Critiqued the French Legal System
Voltaire was deeply concerned with the injustices and inequalities inherent in the French legal system of his time. He criticized its reliance on torture, arbitrary arrests, and biased trials. His Philosophical Dictionary, published in 1764, contained numerous entries attacking these legal abuses and advocating for reforms.
Voltaire believed that laws should be rooted in reason and justice, not religious doctrine or aristocratic privilege. His critiques helped raise awareness of systemic issues and inspired later efforts to create a more equitable legal framework. His ideas influenced the legal reforms that took place during the French Revolution and beyond.
10. Influenced the French and American Revolutions
Voltaire’s writings and ideas had a significant impact on revolutionary thought in both France and the United States. His critiques of monarchy, religious oppression, and inequality resonated with leaders of the French Revolution, who saw his works as a source of inspiration for their fight against the Ancien Régime.
In America, figures like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin admired Voltaire’s emphasis on reason, secular government, and individual freedom. His vision of a society governed by laws grounded in justice and reason influenced key documents like the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, cementing his role as a major figure in the history of democratic ideals.