Attacking Optimism

A detailed Summary of Attacking Optimism


Leibnitz emphasized, in his Discours de Metaphysique (Discourse on Metaphysics) (1686) the role of a benevolent creator. He called the constituent components of the universe monads, and while the philosophy of monads is of little concern to readers of Candide, the conclusion which Leibnitz drew from these monads is crucial to an understanding of optimism.

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)

Category: Miscellaneous

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • Candide ... During his lifetime, writings attacking the aristocracy and the church were attributed to ... of these idiocracies, for he lacks reason and has optimism that is ... 1326 words
  • Marie Arout Voltaire ... Candide, or The Optimist, is attacking the Leibniz philosophy of optimism, and therefore the subject of the satire is the problem of how one should live their ... 1333 words
  • Schizophrenia and Satire in the Writings of Kurt Vonnegut ... of Voltaire again provides the contrast of a true satirist his novel Candide is devoted to attacking the philosophical system of optimism, which contends that ... 2676 words
  • Candide Its supposed to be sarcastic ... In Candide, Voltaire is criticizing Liebnizamp39s theories of optimism, and of the ... Candide is Voltaireamp39s means of attacking everything from religion to racism, but ... 767 words
  • Henry Vth ... In this opening part of the speech we can see happiness, pride, optimism and confidence and ... He is trying to show the people that he is not attacking France for ... 1146 words

Professional Essays

  • Effects of Optimism on the Behaviors of HIV/AIDS Subjects ... to a statistically significant degree with the increase in optimism by people with ... as acquired immunity deficiency syndrome AIDS began attacking human beings ... 9853 words
  • The Jungle 1906 ... Possessed of a beastamp39s strength, he lunges, attacking him like a tiger ... of despairamp39s abyss, he rises once more, struggling to return to an optimism, an embracing ... 1869 words
  • Fouad Ajamiamp39s The Dream Palace of the Arabs ... the Islam of the amp39priesthoodamp39 was a religion of reaction, attacking the freedom of ... 1950s, such as his famous poem The Bridge, expressed optimism concerning the ... 2706 words
  • Sexual Behaviors of HIV/AIDS Subjects EFFECTS OF OPTIMISM ON THE SEXUAL BEHAVIORS OF HIV/AIDS SUBJECTS ... and designated as acquired immunity deficiency syndrome AIDS began attacking human beings at ... 9941 words
  • Engaging in Risky Sexual Behaviors ... of Optimism About HIV/AIDS Social Costs and Optimism About the ... and designated as acquired immunity deficiency syndrome AIDS began attacking human beings at ... 9694 words
  • Compulsive Gambling ... Fourth, in consequence of his or her unrealistic optimism, the true compulsive ... to exert control over the unknown by simultaneously attacking and placating an ... 3205 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.