The world is constantly changing, and improving for the better. The Age of Enlightenment was a key period where people began to think philosophically in eighteenth century Europe. People began to expand their minds and focus not on the past but on the future, a world where anything and everything is possible. The world changed for the better, and people were beginning to think of ways to better themselves and society. Philosophers all believed in four views, rationality, progress, humanitarianism and freedom of thought. Freedom of thought was crucial for people as it allowed for them to break out of the previous chains holding them down, and challenge authority. This crucial concept was a major part of the novella, Candide, written by Voltaire.
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Throughout the book, Voltaire highlights different opinions characters have that differ from the classic views of authority. Pangloss believes that “it is the best of all possible worlds”, and that “everything is necessarily for the best purpose” (16). Martin, believes that “God has abandoned [the world] to some malevolent being,” and that if there is any good in the world, he “[hasn’t] seen it” (73). Cunegonde, who had been taken on Pangloss’s views for most of her life, broke out of her chains, and let her mind work on its own, by realizing “that Pangloss cruelly deceived [her] when he told [her] that all was for the best in this world” (33). Pangloss, Martin and Cunegonde all exhibit the freedom of thought, and thus becomes free themselves. They listen to no one but themselves, and are able to live their lives how they want to live them. Pangloss continues to think optimistically about the world even when bad things happen, and people challenge his opinions. He stays true to his beliefs, and refuses to let anyone change his views. Martin is the complete opposite of Pangloss, and despite him constantly being around Candide who preaches about Pangloss’s theories, Martin won’t change his outlook. He continues to believe what he wants to, and will not allow for anyone alter his beliefs. Cunegonde challenges authority through thinking on her own, after believing what had been put in her head by Pangloss for many years. Through the philosophies of characters, Voltaire demonstrates the when people have freedom of thought, they are able to live the life they want to. Voltaire is in support of freedom of thought as it allows for people to be happy, and be
Throughout the book, Voltaire highlights different opinions characters have that differ from the classic views of authority. Pangloss believes that “it is the best of all possible worlds”, and that “everything is necessarily for the best purpose” (16). Martin, believes that “God has abandoned [the world] to some malevolent being,” and that if there is any good in the world, he “[hasn’t] seen it” (73). Cunegonde, who had been taken on Pangloss’s views for most of her life, broke out of her chains, and let her mind work on its own, by realizing “that Pangloss cruelly deceived [her] when he told [her] that all was for the best in this world” (33). Pangloss, Martin and Cunegonde all exhibit the freedom of thought, and thus becomes free themselves. They listen to no one but themselves, and are able to live their lives how they want to live them. Pangloss continues to think optimistically about the world even when bad things happen, and people challenge his opinions. He stays true to his beliefs, and refuses to let anyone change his views. Martin is the complete opposite of Pangloss, and despite him constantly being around Candide who preaches about Pangloss’s theories, Martin won’t change his outlook. He continues to believe what he wants to, and will not allow for anyone alter his beliefs. Cunegonde challenges authority through thinking on her own, after believing what had been put in her head by Pangloss for many years. Through the philosophies of characters, Voltaire demonstrates the when people have freedom of thought, they are able to live the life they want to. Voltaire is in support of freedom of thought as it allows for people to be happy, and be