Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works

"Voltaire: A Sketch of His Life and Works" by J. M. Wheeler is a late 19th-century record of the life and influence of the French philosopher Voltaire. It shows Voltaire's importance as someone who valued independent thought and change, fighting for logical thinking and acceptance when faced with strict control. Born François Marie Arouet in Paris, Voltaire faced challenges, his father opposed his dreams of writing, which made him go into exile and clash with leaders because he cleverly criticised the government and religious groups. From the beginning, his talent for satire and his outspokenness marked his interactions with the powerful. This introduction helps understand the extensive influence Voltaire had on freedom, logical thought, and respect for people in general.