Candide | Quotes

Pangloss adheres to Leibniz's principle of sufficient reason. In the end everything works out according to God's plan, so whatever happens is the best possible outcome.

Candide is mourning the loss of his tutor and friend, Pangloss, who has just been hanged by the Inquisition. Pangloss promoted a philosophy of optimism in which everything turns out for the best in this, the best of all possible worlds. Yet this situation is so bleak that Candide's own optimism wavers.

Cunégonde tries to convince Candide that although she has been raped once, she is still eligible for marriage. She does not mention all the other rapes she has endured at the hands of the Bulgar Captain, the Grand Inquisitor, and Don Issacar.

The upside of Cunégonde's misfortunes—rape, theft—is that she can't afford to do the right thing and marry Candide. The old woman tells her that no one will blame her for choosing wealth and security over love after all she's been through.

Candide and Cacambo would rather be wealthy and envied in regular society than be content and just like everyone else in paradise. This desire, according to Voltaire, is a major flaw in Western society.

Cacambo's innocent question about the meaning of optimism upon meeting the slave from the cotton mill spurs Candide to renounce everything Pangloss has taught him.

Martin's views are the polar opposite of those of Pangloss. Having seen more than his fair share of suffering, he is a pessimist through and through.

Signor Pococuranté finds fault in everything, which makes Candide think that he is really, really smart. In reality he's a jerk. Voltaire is demonstrating that criticism should not be equated with intelligence.

The dervish tells Pangloss that what God does is none of Pangloss's business, for all are unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

Martin's command neatly summarizes the point of Candide: hard work, not abstract philosophical ideas, is the basis for happiness. Talking doesn't accomplish anything.