CANDIDE By VOLTAIRE. Audiobook, full length

Audiobook from classics collection / best-sellers. "Candide" is a satirical novella written by the French philosopher and writer Voltaire, first published in 1759. The book is a classic work of Enlightenment literature and is often considered one of the most important and influential works of the 18th century. It is a philosophical and humorous exploration of various themes, including optimism, human suffering, the nature of good and evil, and the absurdity of the world. The story revolves around the central character, Candide, a young and naïve man who is educated by the philosopher Pangloss. Pangloss teaches Candide that "all is for the best in the best of all possible worlds," an idea that stems from the philosophical concept of Leibnizian optimism. However, Candide's life takes a series of disastrous and absurd turns as he faces numerous trials, disasters, and misfortunes, including being expelled from the castle where he grew up, witnessing the Lisbon earthquake, and enduring war, slavery, and various forms of human cruelty. Throughout his journey, Candide encounters a colorful cast of characters, each of whom reflects various societal ills and philosophical ideas. He meets Cunégonde, his love interest, who also endures a series of unfortunate events, as well as a range of absurd individuals, including a pessimistic scholar, an optimistic judge, and a money-obsessed merchant. Each of these characters represents different facets of human folly and absurdity. As Candide travels the world, he gradually comes to reject Pangloss's optimism and embraces a more pragmatic and realistic outlook on life. The novella ultimately criticizes the shallow, dogmatic, and unrealistic optimism of Pangloss and the broader philosophical idea of the "best of all possible worlds." Instead, Voltaire highlights the suffering, violence, and irrationality that characterize the human experience. He argues for the importance of personal responsibility and action in the face of adversity and for the rejection of blind faith in abstract philosophical systems. "Candide" is known for its sharp wit, biting satire, and clever humor. It employs a wide range of literary techniques, such as irony, parody, and hyperbole, to critique the society and culture of Voltaire's time, as well as the prevailing philosophical and religious beliefs. The novella is often seen as a call for critical thinking, tolerance, and a more pragmatic and humanistic approach to life's challenges. In summary, Voltaire's "Candide" is a satirical and philosophical novella that tells the story of a young man's journey from blind optimism to a more realistic understanding of the world. Through a series of absurd and tragic events, Candide explores the shortcomings of Leibnizian optimism and highlights the folly of human nature. The book remains relevant for its enduring critique of dogmatic belief systems and its celebration of reason, individual responsibility, and the pursuit of a more humane world. Intro 00:00:00 II 00:04:49 III 00:09:31 IV 00:14:02 V 00:20:34 VI 00:25:58 VII 00:28:31 VIII 00:32:47 IX 00:38:45 X 00:42:07 XI 00:46:05 XII 00:53:06 XIII 01:00:36 XIV 01:05:13 XV 01:12:23 XVI 01:16:42 XVII 01:24:08 XVIII 01:31:21 XIX 01:42:22 XX 01:52:50 XXI 01:57:51 XXII 02:01:17 XXIII 02:21:58 XXIV 02:24:45 XXV 02:34:26 XXVI 02:45:22 XXVII 02:52:13 XXVIII 03:00:03 XXIX 03:05:19 XXX 03:07:36 More: Candide, Voltaire, novel philosophical satire, optimism, pessimism evil, suffering, faith reason, education, worldliness naivety, adventure, travel comedy, classic literature