Jean Meslier

Jean Meslier (15 June 1664 – 17 June 1729) was a French Catholic priest who, upon his death, was discovered to have written a book-length philosophical essay promoting atheism and materialism. Described by the author as his "testament" to his parishioners, the text criticizes and denounces all religions. Meslier was born in Mazerny in the Ardennes and died in Étrépigny, where he served as priest. He was known for his criticism of social injustice and his proto-communist ideas. His work, the "Testament", was influential despite being largely suppressed and edited by figures like Voltaire, who presented Meslier's views as deist rather than atheist.