Denis Diderot

Denis Diderot (1713-1784). The son of a blacksmith from the town of Langres, he was educated by Jesuit clerics and studied at the Sorbonne, graduating in 1732 as a lawyer. However, Diderot lost interest in the legal profession and chose to pursue languages, literature, philosophy, and mathematics. He emerged as a prominent philologist, philosopher, and writer, and was the inspiration and leader of the effort to compile the "Encyclopédie" from 1746 to 1780. In all his works, he spread the spirit of the Enlightenment, being an atheist and materialist himself, opposing superstition and religious fanaticism. Along with Voltaire and Rousseau, he is considered one of the most important French writers of the 18th century. His novels are still read in the 21st century. He also wrote plays and critical essays. Empress Catherine of Russia invited him to submit proposals for the Russian educational system, which led Diderot to stay in St. Petersburg during the years 1773-74. In his later publications, he also addressed political issues and is considered one of the intellectual forefathers of the upcoming (French) Revolution.