It can be traced back to psychological needs on Maslow’s Hierarchy-- security and belonging originating from fear. Both Pangloss’ philosophy and the majority of religions are built around the general idea that everything happens for a reason and everyone is part of a greater plan. The reason people put so much value and emphasis on these concepts is the fear that without a clear path or purpose, life would be utterly devoid of meaning resulting in pure chaos. Beliefs also serve as a much needed sanctuary for the human soul, it lets people form a close knit community with a common bond and way of interpreting life. It gives a sense of belonging and being needed among others fulfilling another psychological need of love and respect. This is shown by almost all characters present in Candide, for example whenever Candide feels overwhelmed and alone he thinks back to Pangloss and tries to think through his philosophy as a sort of coping mechanism, Pangloss is always asserting his beliefs because it not only comforts him in the face of fear, it gives him purpose and makes him feel special and intelligents as he preaches to others, the Inquisitor found respect as the head of religious group and because he feared losing respect he would constantly make demonstrations of his
It can be traced back to psychological needs on Maslow’s Hierarchy-- security and belonging originating from fear. Both Pangloss’ philosophy and the majority of religions are built around the general idea that everything happens for a reason and everyone is part of a greater plan. The reason people put so much value and emphasis on these concepts is the fear that without a clear path or purpose, life would be utterly devoid of meaning resulting in pure chaos. Beliefs also serve as a much needed sanctuary for the human soul, it lets people form a close knit community with a common bond and way of interpreting life. It gives a sense of belonging and being needed among others fulfilling another psychological need of love and respect. This is shown by almost all characters present in Candide, for example whenever Candide feels overwhelmed and alone he thinks back to Pangloss and tries to think through his philosophy as a sort of coping mechanism, Pangloss is always asserting his beliefs because it not only comforts him in the face of fear, it gives him purpose and makes him feel special and intelligents as he preaches to others, the Inquisitor found respect as the head of religious group and because he feared losing respect he would constantly make demonstrations of his