Voltaire, a prominent figure during the Enlightenment, famously promoted the idea of separation of church and state. He argued against religious authority influencing governance and emphasized individual freedoms, including freedom of thought and expression. Voltaire’s writings critiqued organized religion and promoted tolerance, advocating for a secular government that respects diverse beliefs. His influential works, such as "Candide" and his letters, encouraged people to rethink the relationship between faith and political power. This philosophy laid the groundwork for modern secularism and significantly influenced democratic principles, promoting the idea that governance should be based on reason rather than religious dogma.