voltaire
Voltaire For other uses, see Voltaire (disambiguation) . François-Marie Arouet ( French: [fʁɑ̃swa maʁi aʁwɛ] ; 21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778), known by his nom de plume Voltaire ( / v ɒ l ˈ t ɛər , v oʊ l -/ ; [5] [6] [7] also US : / v ɔː l -/ , [8] [9] French: [vɔltɛːʁ] ), was a French Enlightenment writer , historian , and philosopher famous for his wit , his criticism of Christianity —especially the Roman Catholic Church —as well as his advocacy of freedom of speech , freedom of religion , and separation of church and state . Voltaire Portrait by Nicolas de Largillière , c. 1724 Born François-Marie Arouet 21 November 1694 Paris, Kingdom of France Died 30 May 1778 (aged 83) Paris, Kingdom of France Resting place Panthéon , Paris, France Occupation Writer, philosopher Language French Nationality French Alma mater Collège Louis-le-Grand Partner Émilie du Châtelet (1733–1749) Philosophy career Era Age of Enlightenment Region Western philosophy French phi