Candide
Oct 2018 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
97
Pages
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About this ebook
"Candide", is a French satire first published in 1759 by Voltaire, a philosopher of the Age of Enlightenment. It begins with a young man, Candide, who is living a sheltered life in an Edenic paradise and being indoctrinated with Leibnizian optimism by his mentor, Professor Pangloss. The work describes the abrupt cessation of this lifestyle, followed by Candide's slow and painful disillusionment as he witnesses and experiences great hardships in the world. Voltaire concludes with Candide, if not rejecting Leibnizian optimism outright, advocating a deeply practical precept, "we must cultivate our garden", in lieu of the Leibnizian mantra of Pangloss, "all is for the best" in the "best of all possible worlds". (Wikipedia)
About the author
François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was a towering figure of the Enlightenment, born on November 21, 1694, in Paris, France. A prolific writer, philosopher, and satirist, Voltaire's works spanned plays, poems, novels, essays, and historical studies, all imbued with his sharp wit and unyielding advocacy for civil liberties.Voltaire's life was marked by controversy and conflict with the authorities. His outspoken criticism of the French monarchy and the Catholic Church led to multiple imprisonments and exiles. One of his most infamous incarcerations was in the Bastille, where he was held for nearly a year. His exile to England exposed him to the ideas of constitutional monarchy and freedom of speech, which profoundly influenced his later works.Voltaire was a staunch critic of religious dogma and an advocate for freedom of thought, often clashing with the church. His treatise "Philosophical Letters" praised English society and criticized French institutions, causing an uproar that led to its condemnation and public burning.His influence extended beyond literature; Voltaire corresponded with monarchs like Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great, advising them on governance and reform. His ideas on tolerance, reason, and justice resonated with contemporary writers and thinkers, shaping the intellectual landscape of the 18th century and beyond.Voltaire's legacy endures as a champion of rational inquiry, human rights, and the relentless pursuit of truth. His life and works continue to inspire modern readers to question authority and advocate for a more just and enlightened society.
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