1. Voltaire
Francois Marie Arouet
By: Ryan Nygren, Natalie Tran, Deonshae Johnson, Xander Burd, and Adrian Colon

2. Early Life
Voltaire was born François-Marie Arouet was born into a flourishing family. Nov 21, 1694.
He was the youngest of 5 children.
His mother died when he was only 7 seven years old.
After his mother passed away, he began to grow a close bond with philosophe godfather.

3. Main Beliefs
Often attacked the clergy, the aristocracy, and the government. This made him enemies in French courts, and he was sent to prison twice.
Exiled to England, but never stopped fighting for religious tolerance, reason, and freedom of speech
Waged a written war against intolerance, prejudice, and superstition
Staunch defender of liberty

4. Main Beliefs Advocated for the separation of church and state
Often used satire to attack his opponents
Satire - the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
Called a philosophe, the term used to describe free-thinking writers and activists

5. Published Works
Francois Marie Arouet, using his pen name “Voltaire”, published 70+ books of political essays, philosophy, and drama. He also wrote up 20,000+ letters and 2,000+ books and pamphlets
Most prolific Enlightenment writer of his time
Voltaire wrote the play ‘Zaire’, the historical study ‘The Age of Louis XIV’, and satirical novel ‘Candide’, among others.

6. Influences/Legacies
Voltaire influenced people like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson with his beliefs.
He fought persistently for freedom of speech and religious belief, which influenced the first amendment of the Bill of Rights (freedom of speech).
Because of him, we can speak our minds without being punished for it.

7. Fun Facts & Famous Quotes
Called Frederick II a “nasty monkey”.
“All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.”
“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers”
“Common sense is not so common”
“I disapprove of what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.”
“A witty saying proves nothing.”

8. Questions? Comments? Concerns?
TheEnd
Questions? Comments? Concerns?