Who famously said, "I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it"?

The statement "I do not agree with a word you say but will defend to the death your right to say it" is attributed to Voltaire, a prominent Enlightenment thinker known for his advocacy of freedom of speech and religious tolerance. This quote encapsulates the essence of Voltaire's philosophy, which emphasized the importance of individual rights and the necessity of allowing diverse opinions to be expressed, even when one personally disagrees with them. Voltaire's work often critiqued the established norms and institutions of his time, particularly the Church and the government, advocating for civil liberties and the protection of individual thought. His contributions to the philosophy of free expression made him an enduring figure in discussions about human rights and freedom of speech.

In contrast, the other figures—Locke, Hobbes, and Montesquieu—focused on different aspects of political philosophy. Locke emphasized natural rights and governance based on the consent of the governed, Hobbes discussed the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos, and Montesquieu is recognized for his ideas on the separation of powers in government. While all these thinkers contributed meaningfully to Enlightenment thought, it is Voltaire's specific commitment to freedom of expression that directly aligns with the given quote.