François-Marie Arouet(1694-1778), known as Voltaire, was a French writer, philosopher and historian, a central figure of the Enlightenment. Born in Paris on 21 November 1694, he was educated at the College Louis-le-Grand, where he developed his linguistic and literary skills. His scathing satire and criticism of the Catholic Church and absolutism led him into clashes with the authorities, resulting in imprisonment and exile. His work includes a variety of literary forms, including plays, poems, novels and philosophical essays. His best-known work, Candide, is a satire of the optimism and social conventions of his time.

Voltaire passionately defended freedom of speech, religious tolerance and the separation of Church and State, deeply influencing European thought.

Regarding his connection with Freemasonry, Voltaire was admitted as a member on 7 April 1778 at the age of 83, shortly before his death, to the Lodge of the Nine Brothers (La Loge des Neuf Sœurs) in Paris, a prominent lodge in the Grand Orient de France known for its association with intellectuals and artists.

Benjamin Franklin, who was then serving as Venerable of the Lodge, played an important role in the admission of Voltaire. Voltaire received only the first degree of Freemasonry, given the short period of time between his admission and his death.

Although he was a Freemason for a short period of time, his embodiment of the core values of Freemasonry, such as justice and tolerance, during his lifetime, makes him a Brother worthy of respect for all.

He died in Paris on 30 May 1778.