Candide

Candide, ou l'Optimisme is a philosophical tale written by Voltaire and published in 1759 under the pseudonym Monsieur le docteur Ralph.

This story tells us about the adventures of the protagonist Candide in which the precept of Leibnizian optimism that "everything happens for the best in this, the best of all possible worlds" is refuted. Although the character clings to this phrase, experience will dramatically prove otherwise.

With an erratic tone and plot, it spoofs many adventure and romance clichés with a cartoonish tone. In addition, numerous historical events appear, such as the Lisbon earthquake or the Seven Years' War.

Voltaire criticizes in this work religion, governments, armies or philosophers. That is why it had a great impact and was a scandal for some sectors of society. It was banned after publication