François-Marie Arouet  known as Voltaire  21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778

Our priests are not what simple folk suppose;
Their learning is but our credulity.
-Voltaire, Oedipe, Act IV, scene i

Voltaire illuminated with the reflected wisdom of Newton by his muse, the Marquise du  Châtelet.  Frontespiece of Châtelet's translation of Newton, presented as Voltaire's.

"a great man whose only fault was being a woman"
-Voltaire on his mistress, the learned and brilliant Marquise du Châtelet

"History is nothing more than a picture of crimes and misfortunes." Voltaire, L'Ingenu

"God preserve me from my friends. I will take care of my enemies myself." -Voltaire