Voltaire is the author of the short story Candide, also known as “Optimism”. In the short story, Voltaire describes the idea of ​​optimism as illogical and absurd. In Candide, Voltaire satirizes the doctrine of Optimism, an idea that was widely used during the Enlightenment period by philosophers. In this story, Candide is a young man who goes through a series of ventures and adventures around the world where he experiences evil and adversity. Throughout his travels, Candide entertains the ideas of the teachings of his tutor Pangloss. Candide and Pangloss believed in the idea that “Everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds…” (Voltaire 4). This belief is what Voltaire pointed out as an irrational way of thinking in the Age of Enlightenment. Voltaire's main criticism of philosophical optimism focused on the illogical extent to which they would justify the presence of evil in their lives. According to Voltaire, many of the reasons Candide and Pangloss gave for their misfortunes were simply exaggerated and ridiculous. Although he considered the belief in optimism ignorant, Voltaire did not consider himself a pessimist. “The world is all it is capable of being. Life is neither very good nor very bad. It is tolerable since, generally speaking, people find it that way... We must accept life, nature and its conditions, using them as best we can” (Voltaire). The Age of Enlightenment is the time when many advancements took place. in Western philosophy, intellectual, scientific and cultural life. This period revolves around reasoning and the belief that the world could be a better place if everyone worked together. During this period, everything was explained through...... middle of paper ...... silence 75). Voltaire says that the only way to find true contentment is to work hard, because achieving true happiness is a difficult thing to do and find. Voltaire's Candide or Optimism shows his attitude towards this doctrine in a notable and profound way. Throughout the novel, Voltaire's point of view is clearly stated and also judged by the many believers in the doctrine of Optimism and his fellow philosophers of the time. On the other hand, it is now considered class literature that everyone should read. Works CitedBottiglia, William. "Candide's garden". Voltaire: A collection of critical essays. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1968. Voltaire and Norman L. Torrey. Candide, or, optimism. Arlington Heights, IL: Harlan Davidson, 1985. Print. Wade, Ira O. “Voltaire’s Quarrel with Science.” Bucknell Review VIII.4 (1959): 287-298. November 5. 2001