Candide

Name: Candide
Author: Voltaire

By Voltaire

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Classics of Literature French Literature Novels

About This Book

The narrative follows a naive young man expelled from his comfortable upbringing and propelled into a series of violent and absurd misadventures across continents. He encounters war, natural disaster, religious persecution, slavery, and sexual violence while accompanied by a recurring teacher who insists that all is for the best. Reunions with a lost love, improbable escapes, and an aging servant punctuate episodic set pieces that expose hypocrisy and cruelty. Through relentless satire and comic exaggeration, the work interrogates philosophical optimism and concludes with a pragmatic turn toward modest, purposeful labor as the means to live well.

About the Author

Voltaire

Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher known for his wit and advocacy of civil liberties. His works often challenged the established norms of society and religion, making him a key figure in the development of modern thought. Among his most notable works is "Candide," a satirical novella that critiques optimism and explores the nature of human suffering. Voltaire's extensive writings, including his multi-volume "A Philosophical Dictionary," reflect his commitment to reason, tolerance, and freedom of expression, leaving a lasting impact on literature and philosophy.