focus on the intellectual traditions represented by Candide and Dr. Pangloss, and the beliefs

and institutions criticized by Voltaire.

The Enlightenment and enlightened thought is often associated with eighteenth

century France, and how this way of thinking became a revolutionary force against the

Church. Enlightened thought is often seen as a combination of empiricism and rationalism

in which the basis of knowledge can be found in the formation of observations and pure

reason. In Candide, Voltaire used the character of Candide to embody the enlightened

perspective, as he is born into a feudal society and travels the world making observations and

reasoning about what he sees. In fact even the name “Candide” suggests that he says what

he thinks and hides nothing, despite what the noble teachings may be. “You could read his

character in his face. He combined sound judgment with affected simplicity.” [1] (Voltaire,

Candide recognizes the true meaning of optimism after meeting a deformed slave who still

and Pangloss. It is Martin, Candide’s friend, who perhaps says this best: “ ‘We must work

This line of thinking discouraged the working classes from revolting, as they would believe

found more happiness in Eldorado however, as it contained all that a man of reason could

had hope: “It is the passion for maintaining that all is right when all goes wrong with us.”

Some topics in this essay:
Candide Voltaire, West Indies, Lady Cunegonde, Church Christian, Voltaire Enlightenment, Martin Candide’s, Using Candide, Church Enlightened, Palace Science, Dr Pangloss, throughout story, despite noble, eighteenth century, dr pangloss, voltaire character, christian theology, enlightened perspective, lady cunegonde, voltaire enlightenment,