Happy Birthday Voltaire (1694-1778)

Francois-Marie Arouet was one of the great Enlightenment philosophers and writers who promoted freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, science, and free trade against the absolute monarchism, mercantilism, and religious dogmas of his day. He wrote dozens of plays, stories, philosophical treatises, and histories, many displaying his great wit as well as wisdom. He was revered by and inspired other Enlightenment thinkers, including Adam Smith, Rousseau, John Locke, and Benjamin Franklin. The crown and church considered Voltaire a dangerous man because he thought for himself, and that is what made him great.