Writer · 1694 – 1778
Voltaire
Little-Known Facts
- He took the single name 'Voltaire' in his early twenties; his birth name was François-Marie Arouet.
- He grew wealthy through shrewd investments and a clever exploitation of the French lottery.
Myths & Misconceptions
Did Voltaire say 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it'?
No. That line was written by a later biographer, Evelyn Beatrice Hall, to summarize his attitude — but it captures his spirit well.