François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume Voltaire, was a towering figure of the French Enlightenment, distinguished for his wit, philosophy, and fierce criticism of religious dogma and French institutions during his time. Born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France, Voltaire was educated by the Jesuits at the Collège Louis-le-Grand. His early career saw imprisonment in the Bastille for his satirical verses. A prolific writer, Voltaire's oeuvre includes works on history, philosophy, and literature, as well as plays, poems, and essays. His sharp pen championed civil liberties and freedom of thought and religion. Voltaire's 'Zadig: The Book of Faith' is a prime exemplar of his literary style, blending philosophical tale with a satirical edge, exploring themes of fate and free will. This mode of story-telling allowed Voltaire to address profound philosophical questions within an accessible narrative, thus broadening the public discourse of his time. Throughout his life, Voltaire corresponded with monarchs, scientists, and fellow philosophers across Europe, engaging in the crucial intellectual debates of his century. He spent his last years in Ferney, where he also established a watchmaking industry to help the local economy. Passing away on May 30, 1778, Voltaire's legacy endured, with his thoughts and writings continuing to influence thinkers and writers for centuries to come.