A famous French philosopher and writer from the 1700s known for promoting free speech, reason, and criticism of religious authority.
Born François-Marie Arouet, he adopted the pen name 'Voltaire' (possibly from a valley in France) to protect himself while writing controversial ideas. The name became so famous it overshadowed his real identity.
Voltaire spent time in the Bastille for his dangerous ideas and was exiled to England—yet he's most remembered for a quote he probably never wrote: 'I disapprove of what you say but will defend your right to say it.'
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