"Candide" and Simple Living

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the book written by Voltaire, "Candide". The paper contends that, by looking at some of Candide's discoveries on his journey, we can conclude that Voltaire believes that we are better off if we throw away philosophy and religion and return to a more simple way of thinking and living. The paper illustrates the author's view that we do more good when we connect with others and strive to be a positive influence wherever we go and whatever we encounter. Our lives and those we come into contact with are our gardens, and we plant seeds and cultivate growth when we try less to be intellectual and try more to be simple and real.

From the Paper:

"Candide must go through a series of hilarious, yet insightful, events to arrive at this conclusion. Voltaire utilizes satire in his story but beneath the comedy, there is a deeper meaning to be found. Furthermore, this deeper meaning is not complicated at all. An excellent example of satire can be seen in the character of Pangloss. Pangloss is described as being a philosophy teacher, yet we must wonder about this assertion. As Candide engages in a conversation with this man, we discover that he has syphilis. He traces the spread of this disease all the way to Columbus, who brought it to the New World. This leads Pangloss to surmise that without this disease "we would not have chocolate" (23). We must wonder how such a learned man came to this conclusion. This brings us to two of Voltaire's important assertions."

More papers on "Candide" and Simple Living:

• Book Review # 149498 : "Candide" and "Frankenstein" - Notable Sections"
• Analytical Essay # 59865 : "Voltaire's "Candide" and Struggles to Survive"
• Analytical Essay # 3311 : "Candide" and Human Nature"

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