Free Essays on Voltaire

The Child of Nature Voltaire’s wit and intelligence made him one of France’s greatest writers and philosophers. His writings are full of Enlightenment values and principles. L’Ingenu, written in 1767, reflects his views about individual freedom and people making their own way in the world. Voltaire is open to a society that is open to individual talent and merit for deciding social standing, and not a society that determines it by birth. He has reflected these attitudes throughout the story of L’Ingenu. Voltaire wrote L’Ingenu during a time when rationality and reason were being introduced into society. Whitty conversation and intelligent thinking began to take place. With this type of conversation one could made a mark in society and develop themselves as an individual. The Enlightenment was a period when people began to â€Å"come of the dark.† Medieval times were fast ending and with the help of new philosophers the world was now taking on some modern and alternative views. Ignorance was something they were trying to get rid of and being educated was seen as an important task. Education was now something for everyone, not just the wealthy anymore. They were becoming aware of the world around them and few at a time began to think about it now as not being controlled by God but by natural forces. Perhaps one of the most controversial topics of the time was religion. As people became educated, their views about God began to change. Atheism and the belief that there wa s no God began and showed the radical new way of thinking. Voltaire attacks religion and views it as a negative thing throughout L’Ingenu. The old view of religion was that God was divine and ruled the world. Most thought that God made everything happen and for a reason. During the beginning of the 1700s a new view began partly because of education. People began to believe that god created the world and then left it alone for natural forces and laws to occur... Free Essays on Voltaire Free Essays on Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet or more widely known as Voltaire, was a French writer and Philosopher and considered one of the central figures of the Age of Enlightenment in the 1700’s; this was a period that emphasized the power of human reason, science, and respect for humanity. Voltaire believed that literature should serve as a vehicle of social change. His biting satires and philosophical writings demonstrated his aversion to Christianity, intolerance, and tyranny. Voltaire’s sharp sense of humor won him favor of the 18th century French society. This great French writer and philosopher was born in Paris, France on November 21, 1694. His father, a wealthy notary, discovered Voltaire’s brilliance at an early age. At the age of 10 Voltaire was sent to study at the College Louis-le-Grand, the Jesuits ran this college. While at the school, Voltaire developed a strong enthusiasm for literature, especially poetry. Over the objections of his father, who wanted him to be a lawyer, Voltaire decided to be a writer. Voltaire quickly chose literature as a career. He began moving in Aristocratic circles and soon became known in Paris salons as a brilliant but yet sarcastic wit. Voltaire’ first work, Edipe, was a tragedy based on the old Greek story of Oedipus. This story was such a success that everyone predicted a brilliant career for the young writer. After his first success, Voltaire wrote some witty poems accusing the French regent Phillippe II, duc d’Orleans of heinous crimes; this resulted to Voltaire’s imprisonment in the Bastille for an entire 11 months. During his 11-month detention is when Voltaire completed his work on an epic poem on Henry the IV, the Henriade. This is when he began calling himself Voltaire; these classic writings brought him instant wealth. He was often noted for his generosity but also displayed astute business sharpness throughout his life and became a millionaire. Later Voltaire had anothe... Free Essays on Voltaire The Child of Nature Voltaire’s wit and intelligence made him one of France’s greatest writers and philosophers. His writings are full of Enlightenment values and principles. L’Ingenu, written in 1767, reflects his views about individual freedom and people making their own way in the world. Voltaire is open to a society that is open to individual talent and merit for deciding social standing, and not a society that determines it by birth. He has reflected these attitudes throughout the story of L’Ingenu. Voltaire wrote L’Ingenu during a time when rationality and reason were being introduced into society. Whitty conversation and intelligent thinking began to take place. With this type of conversation one could made a mark in society and develop themselves as an individual. The Enlightenment was a period when people began to â€Å"come of the dark.† Medieval times were fast ending and with the help of new philosophers the world was now taking on some modern and alternative views. Ignorance was something they were trying to get rid of and being educated was seen as an important task. Education was now something for everyone, not just the wealthy anymore. They were becoming aware of the world around them and few at a time began to think about it now as not being controlled by God but by natural forces. Perhaps one of the most controversial topics of the time was religion. As people became educated, their views about God began to change. Atheism and the belief that there wa s no God began and showed the radical new way of thinking. Voltaire attacks religion and views it as a negative thing throughout L’Ingenu. The old view of religion was that God was divine and ruled the world. Most thought that God made everything happen and for a reason. During the beginning of the 1700s a new view began partly because of education. People began to believe that god created the world and then left it alone for natural forces and laws to occur...