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During the time of the enlightenment, there was a group of people known as philosophes, people who brought 'the light of knowledge to their ignorant fellow creatures'(McKay, 601).The prevalent ideals of these thinkers were progress, reason, and the search for natural law. Of these thinkers, Francois Marie Arouet, or Voltaire was undoubtedly the most famous. One of the more interesting of the enlightenment figures, Voltaire used wit and clever satire to convey his messages. …

…about them a lot.         Voltaire was the most famous of the Enlightenment thinkers, and not without reason. Although he generally followed the Enlightenment ideals of progress, reason and natural law, he also had some very original thoughts at the time. Despite his razor sharp tongue, he was good friends with two of the most powerful monarchs of Europe, and died a millionaire. This man continues to intrigue people with his wit and satire even today.