Human Reason In Gulliver's Travels

The Role of Human Reason in Decision-Making
Introduction
Human reason has in many instances saved individuals and the humanity as a whole from terrible outcomes. Somehow, reasoning is to judge the situation we met and give a approximated outcomes of future like a mathematical induction. Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels is the example of an individual who used reason to expose an inner-self in a process just like ‘self-discovery'. Swift begins the story with very limited knowledge of the world and the nature of society. Similarly, Voltaire in Candide undertakes a similar journey of self-discovery as he tours across the world. Both of these authors portray a common attribute of faith in their beliefs. Although their optimism is barely evident

Voltaire is pessimistic on the notion of finding eternal happiness as he recounts of the numerous fates he has endured over the process of his journey. However, this does not necessarily imply that he is a pessimist because, despite the fact that he does not hope for much happiness, he is neither hopeless for a better life. Candide spent his life under the his tutor, Dr. Pangloss, who led him to believe that all that happened was always for the best results. However, as Candide experienced the real harshness of the world, he reviewed his teachings and took on a personal perspective of the world and the people in it (Voltaire 55). Having never endured such cruelty before, it can be said that Candide was justified to show some level of pessimism. However, his optimism is seen to rise again fast as he recounts the future he hopes for. Therefore, as much as bad incidences may present barriers to optimism, staying hopeful is always a personal choice that has no

People are more likely to lose hope in a situation that presents difficulty than in one that is hardship-free. Concerning this, it becomes primary reasoning that if something creates unfavorable conditions the closest option is to abandon it. At some point of the story, Candide debates over whether there is happiness in the world (Voltaire 32). Hardship and unhappiness are complementary in the opposition for optimism. At most times, people will make the worst decisions when unhappy or in hardship. Although Candide underwent severe hardship to the extent of doubting the existence of general good, he was to prove later himself wrong as he discovered the whole truth about the world. Therefore, the situation shines a limelight over the fact that for good ideas to prevail there is likely to be hardship and unhappiness over the course of the process. Persistence and self-belief substitute such doubts and offer courage towards practical