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This very brief novel attacks the philosophical optimism of Gottfried Leibniz (cast as Dr. Pangloss). The argument for this philosophy comically c... (show more)
Candide (Dover Thrift Editions)
Witty and caustic, Candide has ranked as one of the world's great satires since its first publication in 1759. In the story of the trials and travails of the youthful Candide, his mentor Dr. Pangloss, and a host of other characters, Voltaire mercilessly satirizes and exposes romance, science, philosophy, religion, and government.
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Voltaire's cynicism and flippant tone was rather repulsive (purposefully so, I'm sure). I couldn't help but wonder how shallow Parisian salons mus... (show more)
Voltaire's cynicism and flippant tone was rather repulsive (purposefully so, I'm sure). I couldn't help but wonder how shallow Parisian salons must have been. Regardless of the philosophical profundity which (I am told) lurks behind such a frivolous tale, I was left feeling a bit dumbfounded. Life often appears pointless and people do stupid things, but did I really spend my entire flight reading this book? (show less)
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This is a delightful romp through the world, French style. Unapoligetically UN-politically correct, it is the story of young innocent Candide trying to figure out how he feels about life. Normally in coming of age stories, the youth must be corrupted in order to obtain wisdom, but not so in this fairy-tale. It's sort of Siddartha meets Tom Jones! And despite enough turmoil to turn the youth to vinegar, you still feel Candide's innocence in the end of the adventure. I haven't read anything els... (show more)
This is a delightful romp through the world, French style. Unapoligetically UN-politically correct, it is the story of young innocent Candide trying to figure out how he feels about life. Normally in coming of age stories, the youth must be corrupted in order to obtain wisdom, but not so in this fairy-tale. It's sort of Siddartha meets Tom Jones! And despite enough turmoil to turn the youth to vinegar, you still feel Candide's innocence in the end of the adventure. I haven't read anything else by Voltaire, but the character portraits are humorous and on-point just like Balzac. An enjoyable quick read that feels like it has a moral at the end (it does), but it certainly doesn't be-labor the point - it is too fast for that! (show less)
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Absurd and incredible--a wonderful exploration of disillusionment, evil, and the human condition. Worth learning French to read the original (yeah, I liked it that much).
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Fun book
Voltaire points out the unfairness of the universe in this book. He says that all is not for the best like chriistian doctrine suggests, but is rather cruel and random like nature and darwinism suggests. Although he does an adequate job in the first few chapters, his book lingers on (although its short). Its a gerat book and a necessary read for any intellectual, you would do fine to just read the first dozen chapters (a couple pages apeice) and the last two. Voltaire's witty writing was something special back then and is still enjoyable today. Definately you should read it, it is short, simple and to the point.
Mike Surovik about 1 year ago
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