For the philosophes, society was a rats nest of problems, problems they attempted to address through their writings. In Candide, Voltaire often poked at the issues around wealth and religion. Money, to Candide, seemed like the solution to all his problems. After visiting El Dorado Candide has the wealth to purchase the freedom of all his companions. He need not worry about repercussions or the law, however this power also begets his own unhappiness. Losing the majority of his sheep and wealth, and whatever remained to Vanderdendur, Candide must sit by and watch as that which made him powerful slowly drips away along with his optimism. In the words of the pessimist Martin, Candide has "rolled in millions... and yet you are not happier than Friar
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Primarily in regards to the monarchy and philosophy. With the monarchy, there exists a divide between the respectable nature presented to the people who should "throw themselves upon their knees or on their stomachs," and the image of deposed monarchs bickering like children over their lost wealth (Voltaire, 84). Additionally, Martin does away with the notion that monarchical rule is just by putting the suffering of the people above those of the king, "not more extraordinary," than those of the people and their own (Voltaire, 148). In regards to philosophy, the people were supposedly enlightened, hence the name of the times. However, only the wealthy had the luxury of this higher thinking. As such, when Candide loses his status and money, he retires to the life of a farmer. A layman need not question their place in the world, only work and keep themselves occupied. Candide and his group find comfort and happiness in the haven of the garden, away from the suffering of the outside world. As Martin states regarding the group of metaphilosopher’s situation, "Let us work ... without disputing; it is the only way to render life tolerable," (Voltaire, 167). This thought process drives a divide between the glorified ideals of the Enlightenment and the reality of those unable to afford
Primarily in regards to the monarchy and philosophy. With the monarchy, there exists a divide between the respectable nature presented to the people who should "throw themselves upon their knees or on their stomachs," and the image of deposed monarchs bickering like children over their lost wealth (Voltaire, 84). Additionally, Martin does away with the notion that monarchical rule is just by putting the suffering of the people above those of the king, "not more extraordinary," than those of the people and their own (Voltaire, 148). In regards to philosophy, the people were supposedly enlightened, hence the name of the times. However, only the wealthy had the luxury of this higher thinking. As such, when Candide loses his status and money, he retires to the life of a farmer. A layman need not question their place in the world, only work and keep themselves occupied. Candide and his group find comfort and happiness in the haven of the garden, away from the suffering of the outside world. As Martin states regarding the group of metaphilosopher’s situation, "Let us work ... without disputing; it is the only way to render life tolerable," (Voltaire, 167). This thought process drives a divide between the glorified ideals of the Enlightenment and the reality of those unable to afford