Voltaire’s Philosophy

Candide so far has had a strong philosophical background, what could we expect it’s Voltaire. Starting off the main character is a young philosopher eager to learn. Our beloved Candide is constantly asking mind-bending questions on whether everything is for the best. Although his tutor, Dr. Pangloss died a long time ago, the questions and curiosity continue. The deep questions and dialogue have however increased in the boat ride to Europe.

“…if our friend Pangloss had seen Eldorado, he would not have kept on saying that Castle Thunder-ten-tronckh was the loveliest house on earth; shows people ought to travel.’”

Since his tutor’s death, Candide has begun questioning his philosophy. How is it that everything is for the best if horrible things keep happening? Having seen all the horrible things outside of Thunder-ten-tronckh, the young philosopher has realized that he and his neighbors lived in a bubble. The real world was not a peaceful place. In the quote above we can see him realizing that his wise master was indeed ignorant. This wasn’t his fault, having only lived in one place, one might begin to imagine the world is perfect. Yet the discovery of Eldorado sort of restores faith into Candide, proving that there are utopias.

“‘You observe,’ said Candide to Martin, ‘that crime is sometimes punished. That rogue of Dutch captain has had the fate he deserved.’”

Having been robbed of his wealth, you can feel how Candide savors the justice paid by the Dutch pirate. Note that he accepts that injustice is fairly common “sometimes punished”. It feels like Candide has faith restored with moments like this. The same when the old lay rescues him. Justice in a rather unjust life should feel great. Being born a good person and having done only positive deeds it’s unfair.

The highlight of my reading however was the end. “…why should I suppose that men have changed theirs?’ ‘Oh, but there’s a great difference,’ said Candide; for Free Will…’” This was awesome ending is the end of conversation of human instincts between Martin and Candide. Our main character seams to believe that human instinct has changed yet Voltaire doesn’t. So the author cuts the dialogue short and emphasizes on free will, in capital letters, marvelous.