Candide

by Voltaire

"Candide" by Voltaire is a French satire first published in 1759. A young man named Candide lives a sheltered life in paradise, learning from his mentor that everything happens "for the best in the best of all possible worlds." This illusion shatters as Candide experiences devastating hardships and witnesses historical catastrophes. Through a fast-moving, fantastical journey, Voltaire mercilessly ridicules optimistic philosophy, religion, and governments, ultimately proposing a practical alternative: "we must cultivate our garden."