Francois-Marie Arouet

One major figure of the enlightenment was French author and philosopher Francois-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire. In his lifetime, he was a historian, essayist, playwright, storyteller, poet, philosopher, and wealthy businessman.
Voltaire was born on November 21, 1694, in Paris to a middle-class family. He was the fifth child of his parents, the one of which survived. It is said to believe that he grew up with out his mother because she died when Voltaire was only seven. He received his education at the college of Louis le Grand, in Paris. In school he was to perform plays in Latin and other languages. This is said to be the reason why he was so devoted to the stage. At a young age, his father, a lawyer, wanted Voltaire to become a lawyer, but all the while wanting to be a writer. He finished his schooling at the age of 16 and soon after became a writer. …