Candide by Voltaire

Candide Book download in PDF, ePub & Mobi

by Voltaire

Satire Philosophical novel Adventure Optimism vs. reality The folly of man The critique of religion The search for happiness

PAGES
117
ESTIMATED TIME
3 hours 11 minutes
PACE
Fast
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED
1759
ORIGINAL LANGUAGE
French
DOWNLOADS
2983

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 clichĂŠs 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

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#27 in Literary fiction (this month)

#1 in Humor (this month)

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The Candide book is available for download in PDF, ePUB and Mobi:

Copyright info
Candide by Voltaire is believed to be in the public domain in the United States only. It may still be copyrighted in other countries. If you are not in the United States, please check your local laws to ensure this eBook is in the public domain in your country before downloading Candide in PDF or ePub.

WHY READ CANDIDE IN 2025?

266 years later, still timely

War, shipwrecks, earthquakes—optimism gets field-tested. Voltaire turns philosophy into slapstick to ask whether any system survives contact with reality, then points toward simple work and decency.

TODAY'S CONNECTION

A swift antidote to simplistic takes. Laugh first, think harder after—perfect for ethics classes and news-weary readers.

Philosophy in experiment

Arguments tried in the wild.

World tour of folly

Every stop, a new mirror.

Hope with ballast

Compassion over slogans.

Perfect for

Fans of satire Readers interested in philosophy Those exploring classic literature

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About Voltaire

Light against fanaticism: satire, clarity, and civic courage.

We have 4 books by Voltaire in the AliceAndBooks library

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