Candide

Candide (1759) is a famous satire by French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. The novella follows a naive young man’s journey through a world of misfortunes, challenging his unwavering belief in optimism. This timeless tale is a critique of the philosophical notion that all suffering serves a greater cosmic purpose, delivering with razor-sharp wit and provocative insight.

François-Marie Arouet, known by his pen name Voltaire, was a prominent French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, and historian. He was a prolific author, producing works in various literary forms, including play, poems, novels, and essays. Voltaire was renowned for his wit, his criticism of the Catholic Church and slavery, and his passionate advocacy for civil liberties, freedom of speech, and the separation of church and state.