Leibnitz argued that all of these monads were linked in a complex chain of cause and effect and that this linking had been done by a divine creator as he created the harmonious universe. Since he was benevolent, omnipotent, and omniscient, he logically would create the best of all possible worlds. Hence, everything that happens in the universe is part of this greater plan, and thus must be for the best. Humans cannot appreciate how the evils encountered in every day life contribute to the best of universes and universal harmony, but they do, nonetheless.

Optimism was attractive to many because it answered a profound philosophical question that mankind had been grappling with since the beginning of faith: if God is omnipotent and benevolent, then why is there so much evil in the world? Optimism provides an easy way out of this philosophical dilemma: God has made everything f

The Lisbon earthquake and resulting fire in 1755 led Voltaire to attack optimism with a renewed vigor. The earthquake, which "wiped out three quarters of Lisbon," killed 20,000. In seeking to explain this phenomena, Pangloss attempts to console victims by proving that things could not be otherwise. "For, said he, all this is for the best, since if there is a volcano at Lisbon, it cannot be somewhere else, since it is unthinkable that things should not be where they are, since everything is well" (11). This complete nonsense does nothing to console the people of Lisbon; Voltaire indirectly makes his point that optimism, as spouted by most, is complete philosophical gibberish.

-Oh Pangloss, cried Candide, you have no notion of these abominations! I'm through, I must give up your optimism after all.

Candide even stops Pangloss mid-sentence to reiterate the fact. "I know also, said Candide, that we must cultivate our garden" (74). When Pangloss attempts to agree with a dose of philosophical commentary, Martin responds "Let us work without speculating; it's the only way of rendering life bearable" (75).

Some common words found in the essay are:
Discourse Metaphysics, Previously Candide, Candide Candide, Candide Pangloss, Europe Columbus's, Voltaire's Optimists, Pangloss Optimist, Observe Pangloss, Voltaire Proved, Lisbon Voltaire, cultivate garden, cause effect, candide pangloss, pangloss attempts, candide cultivate, candide cultivate garden, lisbon earthquake, candide goes,
Approximate Word count = 1190
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)