Equality As Depicted In Voltaire's Candide

Throughout Candide, Voltaire alludes to the idea of all men being created equal. However, each instance differs in reception. In one context, the idea is agreed with and respected, but then proven false in the next second. With such differing circumstances, it is valid to question Voltaire’s actual stance on the matter. Is Voltaire mocking society’s naivete or is he critiquing the hierarchical structure of equality? One could argue that Voltaire respects the sentiment of the equality of man, but does not believe society has it within itself to legitimately apply it as it stands now due to preexisting prejudice, as expressed during Candide’s stay in El Dorado.

If one hopes to decode Voltaire’s true beliefs on the equality of man, the El Dorado

chapters provides great insight. When Candide and Cacambo first arrive, they encounter children playing quoits with expensive jewels and assume them to be a part of the royal family (Voltaire 41).

They are later informed that this particular village is considered a poor one and that the jewels they saw were considered nothing more than pebbles (42). It is realized then that this society operates under the assumption that all men are equal. Objects considered signs of great wealth in Europe are a common part of life in El Dorado, expressing a lack of distinction between the classes in theory. This is implied even more when they greet the king by embracing him and kissing his cheeks, as opposed to the European model of displaying obedience and inferiority (45). However, El Dorado is not without inequality. Though it can be assumed that the wealth is distributed rather equally, there is still such a thing as a poor village. There also exists a hierarchy within society. A king will always rank higher than his subjects in theory. There is also a huge contradiction in regards to free will. The king claims that “all men are free” and then goes on to says his subjects “made a vow never to quit the kingdom, and they are too wise to break it.” (46) The latter

statement seems to imply a threat towards those who may attempt to break the vow. It can be assumed that subjects who try to leave will be punished, something that does not fit in with the “all men are free” rhetoric. Voltaire seems to be suggesting that no society can exist in perfect harmony. There will always be inequality within, it is a natural occurrence. However, he does not imply that striving for equality is useless. Overall, the people of El Dorado are happy. They lead rather luxurious lives in comparison to the Europeans. Due to the mostly equal division of wealth, they do not have a concrete set of classes since there would be scarce difference between them.
To an outsider, El Dorado seems like a perfect place but it must be noted that Candide does not want to stay.

Candide has spent a majority of the text being rejected as Cunegonde’s suitor due to his social status. His companionship with her brother is soured when he brings up marriage and any gratitude held for Candide melted away to rage at such a suggestion (36). If Candide can raise his position in society, he will be able to marry his love. This leads him to convince Cacambo to return to Europe “laden with the pebbles of El Dorado” so they can sell them and be “richer than all the kings in Europe.” (46) Candide has no interest in the equality of man. He is focused on how to accomplish his wants. It is Candide’s selfishness that make him want to leave a place where he could finally live as an

equal.
Voltaire never completely rejects the idea of all men being created equal. He does, however, say it cannot exist in a perfect state. Humanity has natural inequalities. Society always seems to end on in a hierarchical structure somehow and that cannot exist alongside universal equality. Voltaire seems to be suggesting that that inequality will always naturally manifest but that does not invalidate attempts to treat others like equals. El Dorado is his example of how such a society would operate in reality. While it seems harmonious and ideal to outsiders, it is not without fault due to the very basis of human nature.