Voltaire's Milestones

Voltaire was a French philosopher, writer, and satirist, author of Candide, who championed free speech, religious tolerance, and Enlightenment thought, influencing generations of thinkers.
1694

Birth

Born François-Marie Arouet in Paris, France, to François Arouet and Marie Marguerite Daumard. Baptized on 22 November 1694.

Family November 21, 1694
1704

Jesuit education at Collège Louis-le-Grand

Educated by Jesuits at Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris, studying Latin, theology, and rhetoric.

Education September 1, 1704 - June 30, 1711
1711

First literary ambitions

Began writing poetry and essays, aspiring to be a writer despite his father's wishes for a legal career.

Achievement July 1, 1711 - December 31, 1713
1713

Secretary at French Embassy in Netherlands

Worked as secretary to the French ambassador in The Hague; affair with Catherine Olympe Dunoyer led to return to France.

Career January 1, 1713 - December 31, 1713
1715

Expelled from Paris

Expelled from Paris for satirical writings critical of the Regent.

Other May 1, 1715
1717

Imprisoned in Bastille

Imprisoned in the Bastille for lampooning the French government in satirical verse.

Other May 16, 1717 - April 11, 1718
1718

Debut play 'Oedipus'

Achieved literary fame with the tragedy 'Oedipus' at the Comédie-Française.

Achievement November 18, 1718

Name change to Voltaire

Adopted the pen name 'Voltaire,' marking a new literary identity.

Other December 1, 1718
1723

Published 'La Henriade'

Published epic poem 'La Henriade,' glorifying Henry IV and religious tolerance; smuggled into Paris.

Achievement November 1, 1723
1724

Published 'Mariamne'

Premiered the play 'Mariamne'; revised version performed at royal wedding in 1725.

Achievement March 1, 1724 - April 1, 1725
1726

Exiled to England

Exiled to England after conflict with aristocrat Guy Auguste de Rohan-Chabot. Immersed in English society and philosophy.

Other May 1, 1726 - October 1, 1729
1733

Published 'Letters on the English'

Published 'Letters on the English' (Lettres philosophiques), introducing Enlightenment ideas to France; book banned and burned.

Achievement January 1, 1733

Relationship with Émilie du Châtelet

Began 16-year relationship with mathematician Émilie du Châtelet; collaborated on scientific and philosophical works at Château de Cirey.

Relationship June 1, 1733 - September 10, 1749
1734

Scientific and historical works at Cirey

Co-authored experiments and studies; promoted Newtonian science in France; wrote 'Elements of the Philosophy of Newton.'

Achievement January 1, 1734 - September 10, 1749
1750

Moved to Prussia

Lived at Frederick the Great's court in Potsdam; became chamberlain and member of the Order of Merit; completed 'Micromégas.'

Location July 1, 1750 - March 1, 1753
1753

Return to France and Geneva

Returned to France, then settled in Geneva and later at Ferney due to bans and religious tensions.

Location March 1, 1753 - December 1, 1758
1758

Moved to Ferney

Purchased estate at Ferney near Swiss border; hosted intellectuals, advocated for civil liberties, and became a leading Enlightenment figure.

Location December 1, 1758 - May 30, 1778
1759

Published 'Candide'

Published 'Candide,' a satirical novel critiquing optimism and organized religion; became his most famous work.

Achievement January 1, 1759
1762

Advocacy for justice (Jean Calas case)

Led campaign to overturn wrongful execution of Huguenot merchant Jean Calas, championing religious tolerance and justice.

Achievement March 10, 1762 - March 9, 1765
1764

Published 'Dictionnaire philosophique'

Published 'Dictionnaire philosophique,' a series of articles challenging church dogma and promoting Enlightenment values.

Achievement June 1, 1764
1778

Return to Paris and final acclaim

Returned to Paris after 25 years; celebrated at performance of his play 'Irene.'

Achievement February 10, 1778 - May 30, 1778

Initiated into Freemasonry

Initiated as an Entered Apprentice Freemason at Loge des Neuf Sœurs in Paris, weeks before his death.

Other April 4, 1778

Death

Died in Paris at age 83; denied Christian burial due to criticism of the Church; secretly buried at Abbey of Scellières.

Other May 30, 1778
1791

Remains enshrined in Panthéon

Remains transferred to the Panthéon in Paris as a symbol of Enlightenment and the French Revolution; attended by an estimated million people.

Other July 11, 1791