Denis Diderot was an influential French philosopher, art critic, and writer born on October 5, 1713. He is best known as a co-founder and chief editor of the Encyclopédie, a monumental work that aimed to compile and disseminate knowledge during the Enlightenment period. Diderot's writings emphasized reason, science, and the importance of critical thinking. In addition to the Encyclopédie, Diderot wrote several philosophical works, plays, and novels, including the notable Jacques the Fatalist. His ideas challenged traditional beliefs and contributed to the development of modern thought, making him a key figure in the history of philosophy and literature.