Definitions for "Voltaire"
Keywords:  arouet, ois, fran, marie, enlightenment
French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)
French writer and philosopher, born François Marie Arouet (1694-1778).
Fran̤ois-Marie Arouet (21 November, 1694 Р30 May, 1778), better known by the pen name Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, essayist, deist and philosopher known for his wit, philosophical writings, and defense of civil liberties, including freedom of religion and the right to a fair trial. He was an outspoken supporter of social reform despite strict censorship laws in France and harsh penalties for those who broke them. A satirical polemicist, he frequently made use of his works to criticize Christian Church dogma and the French institutions of his day.
Voltaire was an influential sire of show jumpers and dressage horses. Additionally, he competed successfully at the international level in show jumping.
(1694-1778)