In Voltaire's satirical novella 'Candide', the naive protagonist travels the world in search of his beloved Cunegonde, while desperately trying to reconcile the optimism taught by his mentor, Pangloss, with the harsh realities of life. From a war-torn Europe to the utopian land of Eldorado, Candide is met with a series of absurd and often tragic misadventures that challenge his rosy worldview. As he encounters the folly of human existence, Candide becomes a reluctant philosopher, questioning the nature of happiness and the absurdity of fate. Through wit and irony, Voltaire critiques blind optimism and exposes the hypocrisy of society. Will Candide ever find true happiness, or will the relentless chaos of life shatter his dreams forever?
By Voltaire
Published: 1991
"All is for the best, in the best of all possible worlds."
One of the world's great satires since its first publication in 1759. Witty, caustic skewering of romance, science, philosophy, religion, government — nearly all human ideals and institutions.
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“All is for the best, in the best of all possible worlds.”
Candide
By Voltaire
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
François-Marie Arouet, known as Voltaire (1694-1778), was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit, advocacy of civil liberties, and criticism of established religion and government. His notable works include "Candide," "Philosophical Dictionary," and "Treatise on Tolerance," which exemplify his satirical and thought-provoking writing style. Voltaire's ability to blend humor with philosophical inquiry has made him a timeless figure in literature and a champion of the Enlightenment ideals of reason and individual freedom.
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