Lessons from Voltaire on Finding Purpose in Life
Few philosophers have made so great an impact on French philosophy as Voltaire. Born in 1694, Francois-Marie Arouet spent his early years in Paris, France. He was educated in the classics by Jesuits at the College Louis-le-Grand.
After finishing school, he wanted to become a writer. His father, though, wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer. To appease him, Arouet pretended to pursue law while he wrote.
Arouet became popular amongst his peers for his satire and wit. Unfortunately, these same attributes soon landed him in hot water. After mocking the government, he was imprisoned in the Bastille for nearly a year. When he was released, he decided to adopt the name “Voltaire”.
Like many philosophers during the Enlightenment, Voltaire advocated individual liberty, reason, and a questioning of religious doctrines. Arguments with authority figures led him to exile from France. As a result, he travelled to England, Brussels, and eventually Prussia.
Voltaire wrote largely plays and poetry, along with historical and philosophical works. His writing fell into one of three categories: a few were incredibly popular, many were flops, and a notable number angered people around him. His life reflected this pattern as well. He would be welcomed to new lands, only to be driven out.
