Voltaire and the French Enlightenment cover art

Voltaire and the French Enlightenment

Voltaire and the French Enlightenment

By: Will Durant
Listen for free

About this listen

 In Little Blue Book Number 512, Will Durant delves into the life of Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694-1778). Described as unprepossessing, ugly, vain, flippant, unscrupulous, and at times dishonest, he was also tirelessly kind and considerate, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both his friends and his principles. My trade is to say what I think, Voltaire proclaimed, and he did so with remarkable flair across ninety-nine sparkling and fruitful volumes. A staunch advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state, Voltaires influence was undeniable. In 1791, as his ashes were paraded through Paris for re-entombment in the Pantheon, a staggering 100,000 people marched in tribute, while 600,000 lined the streets. The words inscribed on his funeral car proclaimed He gave the human mind a great impetus; he prepared us for freedom. (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)Copyright Biographies 2.0
Episodes
  • 10 - Voltaire and the French Enlightenment by Will Durant

    10 - Voltaire and the French Enlightenment by Will Durant
    Aug 19 2025
    In Little Blue Book Number 512, Will Durant delves into the life of Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694-1778). Described as unprepossessing, ugly, vain, flippant, unscrupulous, and at times dishonest, he was also tirelessly kind and considerate, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both his friends and his principles. My trade is to say what I think, Voltaire proclaimed, and he did so with remarkable flair across ninety-nine sparkling and fruitful volumes. A staunch advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state, Voltaires influence was undeniable. In 1791, as his ashes were paraded through Paris for re-entombment in the Pantheon, a staggering 100,000 people marched in tribute, while 600,000 lined the streets. The words inscribed on his funeral car proclaimed He gave the human mind a great impetus; he prepared us for freedom. (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • 09 - Voltaire and the French Enlightenment by Will Durant

    09 - Voltaire and the French Enlightenment by Will Durant
    Aug 19 2025
    In Little Blue Book Number 512, Will Durant delves into the life of Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694-1778). Described as unprepossessing, ugly, vain, flippant, unscrupulous, and at times dishonest, he was also tirelessly kind and considerate, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both his friends and his principles. My trade is to say what I think, Voltaire proclaimed, and he did so with remarkable flair across ninety-nine sparkling and fruitful volumes. A staunch advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state, Voltaires influence was undeniable. In 1791, as his ashes were paraded through Paris for re-entombment in the Pantheon, a staggering 100,000 people marched in tribute, while 600,000 lined the streets. The words inscribed on his funeral car proclaimed He gave the human mind a great impetus; he prepared us for freedom. (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)
    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • 08 - Voltaire and the French Enlightenment by Will Durant

    08 - Voltaire and the French Enlightenment by Will Durant
    Aug 19 2025
    In Little Blue Book Number 512, Will Durant delves into the life of Francois-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694-1778). Described as unprepossessing, ugly, vain, flippant, unscrupulous, and at times dishonest, he was also tirelessly kind and considerate, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to both his friends and his principles. My trade is to say what I think, Voltaire proclaimed, and he did so with remarkable flair across ninety-nine sparkling and fruitful volumes. A staunch advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state, Voltaires influence was undeniable. In 1791, as his ashes were paraded through Paris for re-entombment in the Pantheon, a staggering 100,000 people marched in tribute, while 600,000 lined the streets. The words inscribed on his funeral car proclaimed He gave the human mind a great impetus; he prepared us for freedom. (Pamela Nagami, M.D.)
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.