Candide, with the complexities of his version of optimism reduced for satiric purposes to be facile formula.” (World Masterpieces 316) Leibnitz thought that everything had a cause and an effect. He believed that for everything that happened there was something else that would follow due to the previous. Through Voltaire’s experiences, he came to realize that not everything was for the best. In the story, irrational ideas are taught to the main character, Candide about optimistic versus the reality of the rest of the world. Out of every unfortunate situation in the story, his philosopher-teacher advised Candide that everything in the world happens for a reason. “Private misfortunes contribute to the general good, so the more private misfortunes there are, he more we find that all is well.” (Voltaire 31) Pangloss was a devoted friend and an optimist who claims that there is no effect without a cause, and that everything has a purpose. Pangloss was not meant to be a direct attack on Leibnitz. Although Voltaire wanted people to realize how distorted Leibnitz idea was. During the story, an earthquake strikes killing many. In reality, this is a horrific predicament to be involved in. In Pangloss’ world, “It is impossible for things not to be where they are, because everything is for the best.”(Voltaire 35) Pangloss believed that the earthquake was necessary in the course of nature, so there was definitely a reason why it happened. Pangloss tries to defend his theories by determining the positive from the negative situation. As Candide grew up and encountered many unfortunate things Pangloss would turn the situation around, bring out the good in it. Candide learns that optimism is “The passion for maintaining that all is that all is right when all goes wrong.” (Voltaire 86) Every time Candide experienced some terrible danger and or suffering, he wondered if Doctor Pangloss might b...
