Candide

Candide

Satirical novella written by the French philosopher and writer Voltaire, first published in 1759. Candide explores the absurdity of blind optimism in the face of human suffering and the harsh realities of the world. The novella satirizes the prevailing intellectual and social norms of the 18th century while highlighting the need for critical thinking and a realistic understanding of the world.

Candide is a young and naive man who is taught by his tutor, Pangloss, that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds," promoting the philosophy of optimism. However, Candide's journey is marked by a series of absurd and tragic events, including natural disasters, wars, personal misfortunes, and encounters with hypocritical and corrupt individuals. Through these experiences, Candide gradually comes to question the optimism he has been taught and seeks to find a more rational and realistic understanding of the world. The novella employs humor, irony, and satire to critique various aspects of society, including the prevailing philosophy of optimism, religious institutions, and the hypocrisy of those in positions of authority. It also explores the theme of human suffering and resilience in the face of adversity. "Candide" is a satirical work that uses a picaresque narrative to highlight the absurdity of blind optimism and to advocate for critical thinking and a more realistic perspective on the complexities of human existence.

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Public domain

Candide, ou l'Optimisme