Part of: The Works of Voltaire. A Contemporary Version, in 21 vols. The Works of Voltaire, Vol. I (Candide)
- Voltaire (author)
- William F. Fleming (translator)
- Tobias Smollett (notes)
- Oliver Herbrand Gordon Leigh (introduction)
Taken from the 21 volume 1901 edition of the Complete Works, this is Voltaire’s most famous “philosophic tale” in which he makes fun of the idea that “this is the best of all possible worlds” by showing how much injustice and folly there really is in the world. He targets slavery, religious intoleration, and tyranny. He concludes that each person should “tend to their own garden” and leave others alone to do likewise.
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Key Quotes
Philosophy
As soon as they had recovered from their surprise and fatigue they walked towards Lisbon; with what little money they had left they thought to save themselves from starving after having escaped drowning. Scarcely had they ceased to lament the loss of their benefactor and set foot in the city, when…
Literature & Music
Candide, as he was returning home, made profound reflections on the Turk’s discourse. “This good old man,” said he to Pangloss and Martin, “appears to me to have chosen for himself a lot much preferable to that of the six kings with whom we had the honor to sup.” … “Neither need you tell me,” said…
Critical Responses
Book
Candide: A Norton Critical EditionNicholas Cronk
This edition of Candide provides background and essays on various critical approaches to Voltaire’s masterpiece.
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