Voltaire's Use Of Optimism In Candide

Voltaire was a French philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment who wrote a French satire entitled Candide in 1759. Voltaire despised the French government's implementation of a conservative governing system. He was exiled numerous times by the French government for his satirical stories, which motivated him to change the social structure. Voltaire uses Candide as a way to express his beliefs and opinions about the Philos, religious institutions, feudal systems, and the abuses of power. Although Candide is a fictional book, Voltaire uses historical events that he experienced to emphasize the need for social reform. In the story, a young man named Candide lived his life according to the following philosophical theory: "this world is the best of all possible worlds." Throughout his journey, he experiences many tragedies that and individuals who challenge his beliefs and transform his perspective of the world. While optimism, Voltaire

When Candide lived in Westphalia, he was tutored by Pangloss. He had taught Candide the doctrine of optimism. It was steeped in religion because people believed that all the tragedies are sent from God, accompanied by a divine plan. However, Candide quickly realizes that the teachings of Pangloss were insufficient for his journey. Candide, begins to question his faith and doubt the truth of the philosophy that "this world is the best of all possible worlds." Voltaire uses Candide's naiveté to guide the reader into recognizing not only the failures of the current church and government but also the role they should play on behalf of the people. Voltaire strongly believed that humanity should be led by experience and possesses is the potential for self-improvement. The concept of optimism was of no use to Candide and experience shaped him to become the person he did. Voltaire represents Candide's challenges and the people that he encounters as a way for Candide to