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Candide

Candide

ByVoltaire

"Candide" by Voltaire is a satirical novel that offers a scathing critique of optimism, organized religion, and the social and political institutions of its time. Published in 1759, the novel follows the journey of the titular character, Candide, as he travels the world in search of happiness and meaning in the face of overwhelming adversity. At its core, "Candide" is a philosophical satire that explores the absurdity and hypocrisy of human existence. Through Candide's misadventures and encounters with a colorful cast of characters, including the optimistic Pangloss, the cynical Martin, and the idealistic Cunegonde, Voltaire skewers the Panglossian notion that we live in the "best of all possible worlds" and exposes the folly of blind optimism in the face of suffering and injustice. As Candide journeys from one calamity to the next, from the battlefield of the Seven Years' War to the streets of Lisbon after the earthquake, he grapples with the fundamental questions of human existence and the nature of evil and suffering. Along the way, he comes to realize that the world is far more complex and unpredictable than Pangloss' simplistic philosophy would suggest, and that true happiness lies not in blind optimism, but in the pursuit of virtue and self-knowledge. As the novel unfolds, Voltaire paints a vivid portrait of 18th-century Europe, with its wars, revolutions, and social upheavals. Through his biting wit and incisive satire, he exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of the religious and political authorities of his time, while also offering a searing critique of the social inequalities and injustices that pervaded society. "Candide" remains as relevant today as it was upon its publication, its themes of optimism, disillusionment, and the quest for meaning resonating with readers of all ages. In Voltaire's biting satire and irreverent humor, we find echoes of our own struggles with the uncertainties and absurdities of life, our own search for truth and enlightenment in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. Through "Candide," Voltaire invites readers to confront the contradictions and hypocrisies of human nature, to question the assumptions and beliefs that shape our world, and to embrace the complexity and ambiguity of the human condition. It is a timeless classic that continues to challenge and provoke readers more than two centuries after its initial publication.

Details

Publication Date
Mar 5, 2024
Language
English
Category
Fiction
Copyright
No Known Copyright (Public Domain)
Contributors
By (author): Voltaire

Specifications

Format
EPUB

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