It attacks the ideas of optimism and asserts that rational thought can restrict the evils committed by human beings. Not only that, but it also criticizes certain aspects of the philosophical movement of the Enlightenment. Relating all of Voltaire’s philosophical beliefs to his book Candide, there is a reflection of Voltaire’s lifelong aversion to Christian regimes of power and the arrogance of nobility. Because of this, he was an outspoken supporter of social reform and criticized intolerance along with the religious stigmas that may align with it. Not only that, but he was a crusader against bigotry and tyranny, and he advocated for basic civil liberties such as freedom of religion and trade. He was well-known for his wit and satire within his works. Throughout this essay, these ideas and the symbolism behind them will be thoroughly examined and explained.įor starters, Voltaire (also known as François-Marie Arouet) was a one of the world’s most famous philosophers. From the start of Candide’s treacherous, yet enlightening, journey in Chapter 1, that takes place in the German province of Westphalia to this final destination in Constantinople in Chapter 30 of the book, the main question of this world being, “the best of all possible worlds” (page 2) is explored through the eyes of Candide and his traveling companions. Voltaire’s adventurous, yet satirical, story of Candide sheds light on not only the extreme optimism that some possess, but also deep pessimism as well.

Voltaires candide