Voltaire is the famous French writer and Philosopher dedicated his life to writing about Economic,Social and Political conditions with Humour,Sarcasm and Skill.

Francois-Marie Arouet de Voltaire was born in Paris into a Middle-class family.His Father worked as an official in the Treasury.From 1704 to 1711,Voltaire studied at Louis-le-Grand College.Then he studied Law.He enrolled at the Law Francois Marie.

He was working as Secretary to the French Ambassador in Holland.But soon after,he completely lost interest in his career and decided to start writing instead.He became known for his Sarcasm and Humour and wrote several Essays and Poems attacking the Government and the Catholic Church.

By,1715,Voltaire was part of the rich and Famous Aristocratic class.It was at this time that he wrote two insulting Poems as well as a Satire against the French regent Duc d'Orleans.As a result he was thrown into the Bastille Prison.In prison that produced his dramatic tragedy , a play named Oedipe.He now assumed the pen name of Voltaire.In 1718 the play was staged and became hit.Though it brought him fame,he also made more enemies as a result of it.

He also started another literary piece called "Poeme de la ligue"(Poem of the League).The Poem,based on the life of Henry IV of France,was an appeal for religious tolerance.He soon mastered the English language and produced two significant essays:"Essay Upon Epic Poetry and Essay Upon the Cibil Wars in France".These werw published in 1727.

During his exile,he began a detailed study of the new Philosophical ideas of john Locke,that questioned the rights of kings and the authority of the State,as well as the scientific discoveries of Sir Issac Newton.He tried his best to popularize their ideas and spread awareness.In 1728,he returned to France and devoted himself to literature.The French Government finally allowed the work,he had written-the "Poem de la ligue",it was now retitled "La Henriade" to be published in France.It became popular,not only in France but throughout Europe as well.Next few years,he wrote the "Letters anglaises on philosophiques"(English or Philosophical Letters) a subtle attack on the political institutions of France.

After the several years ,he was appointed as a Royal Historiographer of France and in 1746 he was elected to the French Academy.In 1749,he accepted an invitation from Frederick II of Pursia to visit the Court.He went to Berlin in 1750 and stayed there for two years.After that he left Berlin,he was still unwelcome in France and so he wandered around small towns like Colmar and Geneva.During this period around 1756 he completed his "Essai sur les Moeurs et l'Esprit des Nations"(essay on the Manner and Spirit of Nations).In this he presents a comparative history of different civilizations including Asia.

He finally settled down in Switzerland in his own Chateau outside Geneva.During the later part of his life,Voltaire spent a lot of time writing on religious tolerance and also writing several Philosophical poems like "Le desastre de Lisbonne-The Lisbon Diaster" and Novels like "Candide".

Voltaire is considered to be one of the key factors in what is called the "Enlightenment Movement in Europe".He also urged people to reject Superstition as ridiculous.In 1964,he wrote the "Dictionnarie Philosphique"-a book that also created controversy as it challenged the people's faith by encouraging them to analyse the power of reason.It was banned in Paris,Geneva and Amsterdam.

In May 1778,84 year old Voltaire died in his Sleep perhaps overexcited by his recent journey and enthusiastic welcome.Due to his unorthodox views,the Chruch refused to have him buried on its grounds.He was eventually buried on the grounds of the Abbey of Sellieres,near Romilly-Sur-Seine.He left behind over Fourteen thousand letters and over Two thousand Books and Pamphlets.