Voltaire’s impact is still felt today. He was a champion of free thought and expression, and his work helped to shape the modern world. In the 18th century he stood up for freedom of speech and religion, and fought against censorship and authoritarianism. Voltaire’s works have influenced many great thinkers over the years, including Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, John Stuart Mill, Mark Twain and George Bernard Shaw.
Philosopher’s writings were often satirical and critical of authority. He wrote plays, poems, stories and essays that were critical of the church, aristocracy, clergy and government officials who abused their power. In Candide (1759), Voltaire satirized religious dogma by having his protagonist travel around a world beset by war, disease and oppression – yet still find hope in life.
Moreover, Voltaire was a prolific writer with a keen intellect who challenged the ideas of his day, particularly those of the Catholic Church. He was also an outspoken opponent of religious persecution, whose views shaped the French Revolution and contributed to the rise of liberalism in Europe.
Voltaire was also an early supporter of freedom of expression – he believed in the right to criticise those who hold power over us. This belief was later enshrined in Article 19 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: ‘Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.’
