Voltaire, a renowned French writer, historian, and philosopher, died on May 30, 1778, at the age of 83. His cause of death has been widely believed to be pneumonia, although some speculate that he may have suffered from a brain hemorrhage or an aneurysm. Known for his wit and satire, Voltaire was a leading figure of the Enlightenment, whose ideas and works significantly influenced modern thought.
A fierce critic of religion, Voltaire was an advocate for religious tolerance and campaigned for the separation of church and state. He was a prolific writer, and his extensive body of work spans a variety of genres. Among his most famous works are Candide, Zadig, and Philosophical Letters. As a playwright, Voltaire made his mark with plays such as The Maid of Orleans and Zaïre.
In his lifetime, Voltaire was a controversial figure due to his views and writings, which were often met with bans and censorship. Despite the challenges he faced, his work resonated with many, and he continues to be regarded as one of the most important thinkers of his time.
Following his death, Voltaire was initially buried at the Abbey of Scellières in Paris. However, his remains were later moved to the Panthéon, a mausoleum that houses the remains of distinguished French citizens, in recognition of his significant contributions to French culture and intellectual thought. His legacy endures, and he remains an enduring symbol of the Enlightenment and its values.
