Frederic the Great.
Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire
Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great, was the enlightened despot of Prussia who invited Voltaire to live at his court in the 18th century. Voltaire spent several years at Frederick's court, where the two engaged in intellectual discussions and exchanged ideas on government and philosophy.
C. Francois Marie Arouet Voltaire was imprisoned twice and later exiled from Paris due to his controversial writings and criticism of the government and Catholic Church.
Voltaire was exiled and sent to prison for offending the government with his writings that criticized the French monarchy and its policies. He was known for his sharp critique of the establishment and his advocacy for freedom of speech and religion, which put him at odds with the authorities.
Voltaire was inspired by the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Montesquieu. He also drew inspiration from the works of philosophers like Descartes and Leibniz. Additionally, Voltaire's experiences and observations of the political and social climate in France influenced his writing and beliefs.
Frederick the Great admired Voltaire's wit and intellect, inviting him to stay at his court in Potsdam. The two shared a close friendship based on their mutual interests in philosophy and the arts. Voltaire spent several years at Frederick's court before returning to France.
The two were close friends for many years but had a rocky and complex relationship in which each would try to trick or manipulate the other.Frederick first wrote Voltaire (who was nearly 20 years older) a fan-letter in his early twenties, and the two began long-term correspondence ever since. The correspondence was very passionate, intellectual and even flirtatious. Voltaire was happy that there was finally a king who was also a philosopher, and Frederick idolized all things French, particularly Voltaire. He would often send Voltaire his own writings in French for Voltaire to correct.Later on when Frederick became King of Prussia, Voltaire was invited to Frederick's palace in Potsdam where many philosophers met and spoke freely about religion, politics and other issues. There was apparently a lot of flirtation going on as well, as Frederick was openly gay. Voltaire may have been bisexual, and evidence such as love letters between Voltaire and Frederick suggest the two may have been lovers at one point. Voltaire's mistress was jealous of Frederick as other philosophers staying in Potsdam were jealous of Voltaire, but we will never know.As for tricking each other, Voltaire went to Potsdam as a spy for the French, and Frederick tried to keep Voltaire trapped in Prussia (and stay as an intellectual amusement in his palace) by sending his gossip about the Bishop of Mirepoix to the Bishop himself and get him banned from returning to Paris. The plan failed and Voltaire was furious. Another thing that angered Voltaire was Frederick's waging war, because he was supposed to be an "enlightened monarch". Frederick, on the other hand, thought Voltaire a scoundrel for other reasons, and Voltaire eventually left Potsdam for good. Years later though, they picked up a relatively friendly correspondence again.
Voltaire used this analogy to emphasize how Frederick the Great's enlightened and rational rule mirrored the intellectual and cultural progress associated with Athens, as opposed to the militaristic and authoritarian reputation of Sparta. It was a way to praise Frederick's promotion of reason, tolerance, and progress in Prussia.
Voltaire was known for making controversial statements that offended many people, including government officials, religious authorities, and fellow writers. He also engaged in personal attacks against individuals he disagreed with, using harsh language and satire as weapons. Additionally, some of his works were considered scandalous and resulted in him being exiled from certain countries.
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He had offended a French nobleman- and was imprisoned in the Bastille without trial or opportunity to defend himself. Fearing an indefinite length of term, he suggested exile to England and the French authorities accepted.