Humanity’s Call to Action in the Face of Misfortune
Throughout the entirety of the novel, Candide encompasses a plethora of different horrific human deeds against one another and significant natural disasters. All of these events force some of the main characters to choose how to interpret these unfortunate events and reflect upon the meaning behind their occurrences. In Voltaire’s Candide, Professor Pangloss establishes political and intellectual certainty in an uncertain world by consistently repeating that everything in this world happens to benefit the greater good. If his ideas were true, this would be unacceptable—if everything disastrous in the world occurred for God’s greater plan, then everything humankind has done to remedy these
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awful events would be rendered futile. For those who follow the word of God, Professor Pangloss’s proclamations align with the idea that God is the almighty force in the universe we inhabit. Pangloss’s ideas revolve heavily around a religious theme; because he believes that God is good and just, and that the universe He created is perfect, then everything bad in this world happens in order to coincide with God’s ultimate plan. Those who disagree with the unacceptability of Pangloss’s ideas would argue that his establishment of everything being for the ultimate best embraces God and his perfect world, where evil tendencies and natural disasters happen only to further God’s unknown plan for humankind. Cacambo and Candide come into contact with an old man—who is hailed for being one of the wisest men around—in the utopia El Dorado; while speaking with him, Candide wonders in what manner they pray to their God. The old man responds by saying that they “do not pray to him at all…we have nothing to ask of him; he has given us all we need, and we incessantly return him thanks” (91). This quote succinctly sums up Pangloss’s notions that everything God gives to the earth is only for humankind’s benefit, and the fact that El Dorado—the supposedly “perfect” society—follows this religious ideology of everything being for the “greater good” and the progression of God’s ultimate plan would help to further the argument of those who support Pangloss’s ideals as acceptable. I do not think that religion provides a solid explanation for all of the horrendous events that happen in this world, which makes Pangloss’s beliefs entirely unacceptable when considering the known history of the earth and its inhabitants. After the Lisbon Earthquake—a real event that also occurred in Candide—a plan to rebuild the entire city center emerged, along with the rescuing of the injured citizens. Corpses scattered across the city were removed so that diseases from the bodies did not spread to those who had survived (Bressan). Rehabilitation was underway in Portugal; in order to prevent violence against the city and also violence between individuals, the Portuguese Army was sent to watch over the public (Bressan). In the novel, Pangloss claims that this disaster occurred “because…all this is fittest and best. For if there is a volcano at Lisbon, it could be in no other spot, for it is impossible but things should be as they are, for everything is right” (59). His views are unacceptable, because the city of Lisbon developed ways to remedy the natural disaster by sacrificing their army to watch over its own citizens rather than protecting the country from outside invaders and threats. All of this was done in an effort to rehabilitate Lisbon and protect its people from violence against one another, and violence against the rehabilitation efforts. Using a modern day example, Hurricane Katrina was a detrimental event that proved disastrous for those who lived in the area. This hurricane devastated a large amount of land; to help rehabilitate after this damage and allow for more organized evacuations in the future, Congress passed the Emergency Management Reform Act in 2006 in order to help reorganize FEMA and its efforts to evacuate citizens (Zimmermann). With this act, better communication will result—helping evacuations occur more efficiently—in order to keep a larger magnitude of people safe. If “everything is right” like Pangloss continuously insists, and this was an acceptable way to view the world, then there would be no reason for Portugal to try and rebuild their city and save its population, or for Congress to pass an act in order to eventually achieve the goal of evacuating as many people as possible after Hurricane Katrina. In Pangloss’s view, God would take care of everything for them, because these events only further God’s plans for humankind. Because his views are unacceptable, the human population rehabilitates after natural disasters and plans ahead for future instances, in order to keep as many of their own alive as possible. Deadly illness is present in Candide, just as it is in the real world we inhabit; people have been dying of diseases for as long as humankind has been on the earth.
From the Black Plague in in medieval times to Smallpox to the Polio virus, there have been widespread deaths in occurrence with a multitude of diseases. After millions upon millions of deaths, mankind realized that they needed a way to prevent these diseases from killing mass amounts of their population; through this line of thinking, they developed vaccinations specifically for that purpose. Previously fatal diseases such as tetanus, cervical cancer, tuberculosis, and measles can all be prevented by vaccinations—smallpox, an incredibly lethal illness that caused widespread death in the 19th century has been completely eradicated due to vaccinations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Even syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease referenced in Candide, has methods developed to help cure those who have contracted it. Professor Pangloss, the optimist throughout it all, finds himself suffering through the effects of syphilis—a disease that, during this time period, is likely to be fatal. Despite currently being in the process of dying, Pangloss insists that his suffering “was a thing unavoidable, a necessary ingredient, in the best of worlds” (55). He continues to claim this in spite of knowing that this disease “contaminates the source of life, frequently hinders generation, and is evidently opposite to the great end of nature” (56). Pangloss believes that since he has contracted this sexually transmitted disease, it cannot be due to any other reason than the progression of the “greater good.” In his eyes, God’s plan for him is still intact, because God is good and just. As the one-eyed doctor puts it, “all [of] this was indispensably necessary…for private misfortunes constitute the general good, so that the more private misfortunes there are, the greater is the general good” (57). If
Pangloss’s ideas were true, then why would vaccines need to be developed? If God is perfect and has an ultimate plan for humankind, why would the great thinkers of the world work to create a way to save millions of people? According to Professor Pangloss, those who are sick and dying are only in that state because God made it so, for the progression of his great plan for humankind. Due to the uncertainty that Pangloss’s ideas allow, humanity puts their minds to use in order to develop preventative measures against widespread diseases that kill off millions of people.
The author, Voltaire, wrote in the Enlightenment period, a literary movement characterized by the rising concern of philosophy, science, and politics. Voltaire’s writing was influenced by the Enlightenment movement to create awareness of global issues. This is evident in the repeated tragedies Candide stumbles upon. Social issues, corrupt authority figures, and war are real world topics that Voltaire chooses to address in Candide. The satirical nature of Candide allows for an in-depth discussion between the characters regarding the problems they face and the problems of the people they meet, creating a perspective that the audience is forced to look through. It is also a coming of age story, not just for Candide, but for the rising awareness in global issues. Voltaire’s inclusion of the issues of his time reflect the severity of those issues. Satire is used as a reaction to a society’s hypocrisy. Candide as a satirical piece reflects what people have neglected to pay attention to. Coming into a new era of awareness and responsibility leads Candide to reflect on the live he lived in Westphalia and the people he encountered across
Candide’s caring soul could not let him pass this beggar by without giving him the two florins he had. At this the beggar jumped up to embrace Candide, we come to find out that this beggar is actually Pangloss. After realizing this Candide begs the man he is staying with, the Antibaptist Jacques, to pay for treatment of his old tutor. Jacques the kind man he is willingly obliges. Once Pangloss has recovered he has lost an ear an one eye, but even after having his home destroyed: friends murdered, becoming a beggar, and almost dying from sickness, he still tells Jacques that everything was for the best. Voltaire tries to inject some proper sense into the situation by having Jacques argue that humans have corrupted there original nature and have invented many things as well as ways to destroy each other. Voltaire makes Pangloss respond with an answer that is so radically anti-enlightenment it helps to show his dislike for Pangloss. He says “private misfortunes work for the general good, so the more private misfortunes there are, the more all is well.” This statement is so radically against the enlightenment of which was trying to get everyone to realize, that the aristocracies, kingdoms and religious establishments should not be able to treat them any way they
Although populations in ancient societies suffered attacks, invasions, starvation, and persecution, there was a more efficient killer that exterminated countless people. The most dreaded killers in the ancient world were disease, infections and epidemics. In many major wars the main peril was not gunfire, nor assault, but the easily communicable diseases that rapidly wiped out whole divisions of closely quartered soldiers. Until the time of Hippocrates, in the struggle between life and death, it was, more often than not, death that prevailed when a malady was involved. In the modern world, although illness is still a concern, advances in thought and technique have led to the highest birth rates in recorded history. No longer is a fever a cause for distress; a quick trip to the store and a few days of rest is the current cure. An infection considered easily treatable today could have meant disablement, even death to an ancient Greek citizen.
Candide is a person of privilege who began life in the Castle of Westphalia. While a part of the castle-life, Candide was taught by Dr. Pangloss. Pangloss is a philosopher who teaches there is a cause for all things and that everything is all for the good, even though a person may not understand it at the time. Suddenly, however, Candide is exiled from the privileged confines of the castle when he is caught kissing Cunegonde, the daughter of the Baron. Upon his exile Candide immediately begins to face adversities. Candide finds himself in the army simply because he is the right size. His life in the army is nothing but turmoil and hardship. Despite the misfortunes of army life, Candide continues to believe there is a cause and effect for all things.
In chapter 5 of Candide, the Enlightenment and the birth of tolerance were on full display. In Candide, the Enlightenment thinkers’ view of the optimum world is challenged through the shipwreck and the satiric explanations of the Lisbon Bay and Lisbon Earthquake. Voltaire continues to use ironically tragic events to test Pangloss’s optimistic philosophy, which attempts to explain evil. The use of grotesque and naive behavior between individuals in this chapter makes the reader question Pangloss’s irrational thinking with the cause and effects of the events.
...reflected critically on the events of his life—even just the two examples used in this essay--, he would probably find that this is not the best of all possible worlds as it is rife with evil and suffering. With this novella, Voltaire made the point that some spend a lifetime justifying—not rationalizing—the events of the world because those same people are too busy attempting to prove one theory rather than develop others that may fit reality more. When Candide dismisses Pangloss at the end of the novella by saying, “Let us cultivate our garden,” he is rejecting Pangloss’ philosophy, turning over a new leaf, and taking charge of his own life and giving it its own meaning free of Pangloss’ influence.
In Candide, by Voltaire, Candide struggles through a world torn by constant bloodshed and crime. As he travels, he and other characters are deceived, injured, and abused by the world around him. Voltaire’s Candide reveals another side of human beings’ hearts as he portrays humanity’s hamartias as greed, lust, and religion.
However, along the way Voltaire introduces characters with distinctive worldviews and philosophies. Unique to the story of Candide is the character Pangloss, a philosopher of metaphysico-theologico-cosmolo-boobology and Candide’s teacher. In chapter one, Pangloss abruptly shares his philosophy that, “for since everything is made for an end, everything is necessarily for the best end.” The tail goes on to say, “Candide listened attentively and believed innocently.” During their journey together certain situations cause Candide to question many of Pangloss’
Candide Wealth and great materialistic possession brings happiness and success to most people’s lives. Although wealth does not always bring happiness, El Dorado was one society where all it’s inhabitants lived lives full of success and happiness. In Candide, wealth proved to guarantee a person a step forward in life and some sense of freedom. Sometimes when one lives in an environment consisting of total equality, one may prefer to leave and go to a different place where they would be considered superior and everyone else inferior to them. The people of El Dorado were so wealthy that they abused the things that they possessed that others would cherish. The children proved this when they were playing at quoits covered with tattered garments of the richest brocade. It is obvious to see that they were so rich that the quoits did not have any significant meaning to them. We were able to see this when upon having to return back to school they left the quoits on the ground along with their other playthings. Candide was surprised to find out that an adult schoolmaster would do the exact same when given these quoits which consisted of gold and precious stones. Candide realized that these children must have been those of a king and he said, " The king’s children in this country must have an excellent education, since they are taught to show such a contempt for gold and precious stones." (49). Another way in which we saw that they were very wealthy was the fact that the common pebbles of their highways were large gold pieces, houses were built of silver and gold, the antechamber was incrusted with rubies and emeralds. I feel that this was not very appropriate. Just because they were wealthy does not mean that the money should be wasted in such a way as to build a highway of these expensive stones, when it could be substituted with a much less expensive material. El Dorado was a place where everyone was extremely happy and satisfied with what they possessed. This place was seen as heaven on earth. It represented a cultural wealth. Everyone here was a priest and priests were considered to be pleasant happy beings. We clearly saw that Cacambo and Candide were very satisfied with their stay here when they said, "Possibly this is that part of the globe where everything is right for there must certainly be some such place." (50). They ...
Voltaire’s Candide can be understood in several ways by its audience. At a first glance it would appear to be simply a story blessed with outrageous creativity, but if you look deeper in to the novel, a more complicated and meaningful message is buried within. Voltaire uses the adventures of Candide as a representation of what he personally feels is wrong within in society. Written in the 18th century (1759), known commonly as the age of enlightenment, Voltaire forces his audience to consider the shift from tradition to freedom within society. He achieves this by exploring the reality of human suffering due to traditions which he mocks throughout Candide. In particular he focused on exploiting the corruption he felt was strongly and wrongfully present within three main aspects of society these being religion, politics and morals. Each chapter represents different ways in which Voltaire believes corruption exists providing the audience with the reality of society’s problems due to its fixation on tradition. As a philosopher of the Enlightenment, Voltaire advocated for freedom of religion, freedom of expression and the separation between church and state. Voltaire successfully presents these ideas within Candide by highlighting why they are a significant problem in 18th century Europe.
To get his point across in Candide, Voltaire created the character Dr. Pangloss, an unconditional follower of Leibniz's philosophy. Voltaire shows this early in the novel by stating, "He proved admirably that there is no effect without a cause and that, in this best of all possible worlds....(16)" Pangloss goes on to say that everything had its purpose and things were made for the best. For example, the nose was created for the purpose of wearing spectacles (Voltaire 16). Because of his "great knowledge," Candide, at this point a very naive and impressionable youth, regards Pangloss as the greatest philosopher in the world, a reverence that will soon be contradicted by contact with reality (Frautschi 75).
Voltaire did not believe in the power of reason to overcome contemporary social conditions.In Candide, Voltaire uses Pangloss and his ramblings to represent an often humorous characterization of the "typical" optimist. Of Pangloss, Voltaire writes, "He proved admirably that there cannot possibly be an effect without a cause and that in the best of all possible worlds the Baron’s castle was the best of all castles and his wife the best of all possible Baronesses." (522) The attack on the claim that this is "the best of all possible worlds" permeates the entire novel. Throughout the story, satirical references to this theme contrast with natural catastrophes and human wrongdoing. When reunited with the diseased and dying Pangloss, who had contracted syphilis, Candide asks if the Devil is at fault.
... Conclusion, all of the previously discussed topics were put together by Voltaire in an ingenious way to ridicule the philosophy that everything is exactly as it should be and that everything bad happens for the greater good. All the tragedies Candide underwent were introduced in the novella with the purpose of disproving this notion. The book Candide made me think a lot about everything that is wrong with humankind. Voltaire was very successful and Candide's story accomplished his goal because It is hard to imagine that someone would still believe this philosophy after reading this very ingenious, funny, and entertaining novella.
Candide may have started as an innocent boy that believed the world to be perfect, but he soon adapts his beliefs and opinions to the world around him as he realizes that there is nothing perfect of the world he lives in. This is just how people start their lives in the world and learn to adapt to their surroundings as they experience life. Therefore, Candide can be seen as an interpretation of the life of people by Voltaire in his novel Candide. That is because just like Candide, people adapt to the world through life experiences and may do good and bad things.
Of course, because it is a satire, Candide continues to have a badly founded and overly optimistic view on the world, even though there are piles of evidence that would point to the contrary. Candide’s complete inability to form his own philosophies and views without adopting others’ is an element of the text because again, it is a satire, but also to highlight the absurdity of thinking that everything happens in order to maintain balance and keep things for the best. Candide’s naivety and almost painfully deliberate simplemindedness is used to represent mankind. At the time this was written, many people displayed similar much less exaggerated traits. By highlighting the complete absurdity of this way of thinking through Candide’s childlike repetition of other characters’ values and ideas, Voltaire illustrated that everything is not for the best in this not best of all possible worlds. He stated that one cannot simply float through life expecting good things to happen to him, not making any decisions for himself and relying on others for his ideas. It is crucial that we work for our happiness in life, that we cultivate our