“Candide, ou l’Optimisme” is one of the most famous works written by Voltaire. Behind the humorous tone of the novel, there’s a harsh critique to the 18th century society and its philosophy. But, despite the passage of time, certain aspects of the satire are still relevant today.
Candide – Voltaire
Voltaire is one of the most important figures of world literature. With his wit, he dominated and marked the 18th century. Embodiment of the French Enlightenment, Francois Marie Arouet rises against monarchy and church and remains in history as a supporter of rationality and tolerance in a period of great turmoil. His ideas and the ones promoted by Montesquieu, Rousseau, Diderot, etc. contributed to the French Revolution of 1789.
“Candide” is one of the works that reflects in an extraordinary manner Voltaire’s critical thinking. A satire in which humour and descriptions of reprehensible realities intertwine. The narrative focuses on the protagonist’s existential journey. At the beginning, there’s a certain harmony. Candide is part of an important family of noblemen, and he is raised in the spirit of Leibniz’s philosophy, therefore in an exaggerated optimism. But this initial state of peace is disturbed after he is cast out from the family because of an innocent kiss. War breaks out and from this point, Candide has to face numerous obstacles that will test his optimism. The events succeed one another fast: earthquake, shipwreck, the Spanish Inquisition, El Dorado, etc. But all these vicissitudes of fate serve a specific function, i.e. to denounce Leibniz’s philosophy and show how problematic the optimistic attitude truly is.
Leibnizian philosophy was based on the idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and everything that happens to us can be considered auspicious. Of course, Voltaire deplores this idea and demonstrates that such a way of perceiving the world is unfavourable for society, because it hinders any possible improvement. Such a philosophy can condemn society to devolution and to the acceptance of injustice. A perfect world cannot be improved, but as Voltaire shows through Candide, the world is far from being perfect, and the action of closing our eyes to what is blameworthy is a mistake. Voltaire’s satire also exposes other problematics such as the reality of war and the truth behind the propaganda and also the importance of work, of having an activity in which you can involve yourself.
“Candide ou l’optimisme” is a really short text that can be read in a few hours.
