Summary of Candide by Voltaire: Or Optimism

Humankind lives in “the best of all possible worlds.” This is the philosophy and firm belief of Pangloss, Candide’s tutor, which he passes on to his pupil. Yet the concept is severely tested as the young (and naive) hero stumbles from one (mis)adventure to the next in a quest to win the hand of his beloved Cunégonde. Candide is thrown out of his home, forced to join the army, almost burned at the stake, hunted, abused, tortured, beaten, almost killed during an earthquake and taken prisoner several times. In the end, even overly optimistic Candide has to admit defeat, giving up on all philosophical discourse and instead turning to a life of working the land. Voltaire’s novel questions and ridicules the philosophy of optimism by juxtaposing it with the cruel realities of life and showcasing the brutality and callousness of humanity. With Candide, Voltaire created one of the darkest – albeit hilarious – satires of world literature. Candide’s relentless optimism in the face of the inhumanity of the human race, will leave you wondering whether to laugh or cry.

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