Books like Candide by Voltaire
Candide is a satirical novel by Voltaire, published in 1759. The story centers around the protagonist, Candide, who is taken to a grand estate as a child and raised by a benevolent Baron. However, he is later forced to experience the horrors of a world where the belief in 'all is for the best' is shattered by misfortune and suffering. As Candide and his companions travel across Europe, South America, and Asia, they encounter various disasters that test their optimism, including earthquakes, syphilis, a brush with the Inquisition, and murder. The novel is a critique of optimism in the face of adversity and a celebration of the power of reason.
First publish date: 1746
Genre: Philosophy/Ethics
Authors: Voltaire
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