Voltaire’s Candide Introduction

Enlightenment 18th century Emergence of scientific explanations for things, caused an overriding of superstition and religious beliefs A time of skeptism and questioning of the world Ideas on government and how to organize society began to develop

Philosophical Questions of the Time Why do bad things happen in the world? What/where is the origin of evil? If there is a god, does he control evil and good in the world? Do men have free will or are they controlled by fate or an all-knowing god?

Voltaire 1694-1778 Voltaire was considered: practical, energetic, witty, charming, contemplative, highly intellectual, outspoken with a sense of humor He didn’t just write, but acted on his ideals Sent to prison for gentlemen – the Bastille - for 1 year because of inflammatory writing about Louis XIV’s regime Known as one of the great liberal minds of the Enlightenment Became famous for the phrase “ecrasez l’infame”, which translated means to “wipe out corruption in high places” Spent most of his life in exile

Topics of his writing Voltaire wrote about: the evils of the church, philosophy, and politics He revealed the hypocrisy and corruption of these institutions.

Candide Voltaire wrote Candide at age 65 in three days Makes fun of the absurdities of the human race Considered imaginative, subtle, witty, charming, touching at times, and extremely funny Good example of “his power to knock mankind on his head and reassure him at the same time”

Philosophical Tale Very specialized genre quite popular in the 18th century ex. Gulliver’s Travels Should not be read realistically, the purpose is not to present a verisimilitude of life (as in a novel) Work of satire and parody Intended to use humor to criticize a philosophical position

Philosophical Tales test a certain philosophical position Ex. Gulliver’s Travels tests the proposition that humans are “rational animals” Ex. Candide tests the proposition that this is the best of all possible worlds also known as the philosophy of Optimism

Optimism Formalized in the 18th century by Gottfreid Wilhelm von Leibnitz Popularized by Alexander Pope

Voltaire satirized current events in Candide 1746 earthquake in Lima, Peru 1755 earthquake in Lisbon, Spain where 50,000 people were killed Seven Years’ War Execution of Admiral Byng in 1747 War between France and England for Canadian territory

Voltaire’s Legacy Reputation for standing up for integrity Legendary for supporting people no matter their birth or station in life Wrote about Enlightenment ideas in a way for the common man to understand Stood up and debunked the foolish fads and fancies of humanity Unmasked people and institutions that held the power to tell people what to think or not to think