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Voltaire and the French Enlightenment

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By: (1885-1981)

In Voltaire and the French Enlightenment, Will Durant offers a comprehensive account of the life and work of one of history's most influential philosophers. Durant skillfully navigates through Voltaire's complex personality and the tumultuous time in which he lived, providing readers with a deep understanding of the social and intellectual climate of 18th-century France.

The book shines a light on Voltaire's relentless pursuit of truth and reason, and his unwavering commitment to challenging authority and promoting freedom of thought. Durant's insightful analysis of Voltaire's writings and his impact on the Enlightenment movement is both informative and engaging, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of philosophy and ideas.

Overall, Voltaire and the French Enlightenment is a thought-provoking and well-researched study that sheds new light on the life and legacy of one of history's most remarkable thinkers. Durant's meticulous attention to detail and his engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intellectual history of the Enlightenment era.

Book Description:
In this Little Blue Book Number 512, Will Durant describes François-Marie Arouet, the writer, historian, and philosopher known as Voltaire as "unprepossessing, ugly, vain, flippant, unscrupulous, even at times dishonest" and "tirelessly kind, considerate, ...as sedulous in helping friends as in crushing enemies." "My trade is to say what I think," wrote Voltaire, and he did so in ninety-nine "sparkling and fruitful" volumes. He advocated for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and for the separation of church and state. In 1791, when his ashes were carried through Paris to be re-entombed in the Panthéon, 100,000 men and women joined the procession, while 600,000 flanked the streets. Written on his funeral car were the words: "He gave the human mind a great impetus; he prepared us for freedom."


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