Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, criticism of the Catholic Church, and advocacy for freedom of speech and religion. His most famous work, "Candide," satirizes optimism and organized religion, highlighting the injustices and absurdities of 18th-century society. Voltaire's prolific writings include plays, essays, and letters, through which he championed reason, empirical science, and secularism.