Candide- A Contrast To Optimism :: essays research papers

Candide- A Contrast to OptimismFrancis Marie Arouet de Voltaire was the French author of the novella Candide, also known as Optimism(Durant and Durant 724). Many of Voltaires works were popular in Europe during his time, yet it is his satire, Candide, which is still studied today. In Candide, Voltaire sought to point out the fallacy of Gottfried William von Leibnizs philosophy by criticizing worldly superiority, the theory of optimism, and the viciousness of war.Leibniz theorized that God, having the ability to pick from an infinite number of worlds, chose this world, the best of all possible worlds(18). To dispute that contention, Voltaire created Martin. Martin was the quintessential pessimist, and Candides trusted friend and advisor. Martin continuously tried to analyze to Candide that on that point is little virtue, morality and happiness in the world. When a cheerful couple was seen walking and singing, Candide told Martin, At least you must admit that these people atomic n umber 18 happy(94). Martin quickly replied, I wager they are not(94). The only basis Martin had for his judgment was the sight of two outwardly content people, yet someway he was compelled to characterize them as unhappy. Martins pessimistic outlook on life is the antithesis of Leibnizs theory that this world is the best. The evil that Martin perceived blinded him from the upright that existed in the world. The land of Eldorado was the realization of Leibnizs theory that this world is the best. In reference to Eldorado, Candide stated that theres no comparison surrounded by this country and the castle where I was born(70). The fact that Eldorado was the perfect city revealed the flawed world in which Candide lived. Martins ability to focus on the evils in the world and the contrast between reality and Eldorado reflect Voltaires objurgation of Leibnizs belief that this world is the best possible. To emphasize his criticism of optimism in the novel, Voltaire created Dr. Pangloss, an unconditional follower of Leibnizs philosophy. Pangloss believed that everything had its purpose and things happened for the best. Even the horrendous Lisbon earthquake and fire were for the best according to Pangloss. He stated that although the disgraceful earthquake took over 30,000 lives, all this is for the very best. . . For it is impossible that things should not be where they are(30). According to Pangloss philosophy, there was a purpose behind the earthquake. He believed that there was a rational explanation for the earthquake, even though he was unable to provide substantial evidence to support his claim.