Enlighten your mind and embark on a philosophical journey as we explore 15 captivating Voltaire facts that will challenge your thinking and tickle your intellect! This article delves into the life and ideas of the irreverent French thinker, whose wit and wisdom left an indelible mark on the Age of Enlightenment. From biting satire to fearless commentary, Voltaire’s legacy is a tapestry of thought-provoking insights that still resonate today. So, sharpen your mental faculties and join us in a voyage through the world of Voltaire, where reason reigns supreme and skepticism is served with a side of wit.
1-5 Fun Facts About Voltaire
1. Francois-Marie Arouet, known to history as Voltaire, adopted his nickname in 1718 after being imprisoned for the first time in the Bastille prison in Paris.
2. Voltaire’s quill was a relentless force, birthing a tapestry of literary creations. Throughout his life, he penned over 50 plays, numerous treatises covering science, politics, and philosophy, as well as several historical books spanning topics from the Russian Empire to the French Parliament.
3. To maintain alertness and wakefulness, Voltaire was purported to consume more than 40 cups of coffee daily.
4. Allegedly, he spent up to eighteen hours each day writing, whether while in bed or at a desk.
5. The reason behind his choice of the name “Voltaire” remains a mystery to this day. One theory suggests that “Voltaire” is an anagram of “Arovet LI,” representing the Latin rendering of his name, “Arouet Le Jeune.”
6-10 Interesting Facts About Voltaire
6. Voltaire’s interactions with Frederick the Great included their first meeting in 1740, during which Frederick was king and Voltaire his guest in Berlin. Subsequently, Voltaire was sent to Frederick’s court on behalf of the French government as a spy during the War of the Austrian Succession.
7. Of the romantic relationships Voltaire engaged in, his connection with Émilie du Châtelet stands out. Châtelet, an enlightened intellectual, translated Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica into French. Their affair began in 1733 and spanned sixteen years.
8. In 1748, Émilie du Châtelet initiated another affair, which led to her pregnancy. Despite her previous partner’s abandonment, she sought help from Voltaire, who managed to reconcile her with her former husband. Tragically, both Émilie and her newborn daughter died during childbirth, marking a significant sorrow in Voltaire’s life.
9. Voltaire held a deep admiration for Isaac Newton and considered himself a devoted follower. In receiving Newton’s Principia Mathematica, he is said to have knelt before it, a gesture of utmost devotion.
10. Although a critic of the Catholic Church, Voltaire also expressed unfavorable opinions about Judaism and Islam, while he held a positive view of Hinduism and its Vedas. On the subject of the Vedas, sacred texts in the Hindu religion, Voltaire wrote that they were “the most precious gift for which the West had ever been indebted to the East.”
11-15 Surprising Facts About Voltaire
11. Even in his final moments, Voltaire’s wit remained sharp. During his final moments on his deathbed, a priest asked Voltaire to renounce Satan, to which he retorted, “Now, now, my good man, this is no time for making enemies.”
12. Voltaire and mathematician Charles Marie de la Condamine exploited the French state bond lottery to accumulate wealth, forming a syndicate that ensured constant payouts by purchasing a large number of low-value lottery tickets connected with state bonds.
13. The Catholic Church published the Index Librorum Prohibitorum from 1571 to 1966, listing forbidden books and authors, including Kant, Voltaire, Beauvoir, Grotius, and Pascal. The practice was halted due to the overwhelming influx of new publications.
14. Voltaire’s wisdom extended to the geography of his life as well. In his later years, Voltaire strategically lived near borders to facilitate a swift escape from authorities if his writings stirred controversy.
15. Notably, the childless atheist and author Ninon de l’Enclos bequeathed her wealth to her accountant’s nine-year-old son upon her death. This young boy would later become known as Voltaire.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 15 Enlightening Facts About Voltaire.
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