Voltaire
Francois Marie Arouet, who became better known by his pen name Voltaire, was born on November 21, 1694. Arouet received his education at Louis-le-Grand, a Jesuit college in Paris where he said he learned nothing but "Latin and the Stupidities." As a young man, Arouet made friends with many Parisian Aristocrats. His humorous verses made him a favorite in society circles. However, it was an unstable time in his homeland of France. The country was impoverished and many of its people were dissatisfied with it's corrupt government.
In 1717, Arouet's quick wit got him into trouble with the authorities. He was imprisoned in the Bastille for eleven months for writing a scathing satire of the French government. During his time in prison Arouet wrote "Oedipe" which eventually became his first theatrical success. He also adopted his pen name Voltaire. In 1726, HYPERLINK "http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/95nov/voltaire.html#"he insulted the powerful young nobleman, Chevalier......
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