University student Matthew “Matt” Kafker studies physics, literature, math, and computer science at an undergraduate level. Outside of his academic pursuits, Matt Kafker is passionate about reading and occasionally reads novels, including “Candide” by Voltaire. Voltaire’s Candide is a story about one innocent man’s struggle to survive in an evil and mad world. The book's primary theme is the inadequacy of optimism and optimistic thinking. This type of thinking was popular among many philosophers from Voltaire’s time, particularly the concept that “everything is for the best in this best of all possible worlds,” which is an idea embodied by the protagonist’s teacher, Pangloss, in Voltaire's story. Challenging this doctrine, the protagonist shares stories of his own struggles and those of other characters with his teacher. As Candide continues telling his tale of struggles, he becomes more and more disillusioned with the optimism shown by Pangloss. This echoes Voltaire’s own disillusionment with optimism and explores his criticism of the idea that God is a benevolent and kind being. However, despite his point that optimistic thought is problematic, Voltaire does not advocate for pessimism either. Rather, he encourages people to take charge of their free will and choose whether they want to be happy or not instead of waiting for divine intervention.

1. Voltaire’s Candide Challenges
Optimistic Thought
Matt Kafker

2. University student Matthew “Matt” Kafker studies physics, literature, math, and
computer science at an undergraduate level. Outside of his academic pursuits, Matt
Kafker is passionate about reading and occasionally reads novels, including
“Candide” by Voltaire.

3. Voltaire’s Candide is a story about one innocent man’s struggle to survive in an evil
and mad world. The book's primary theme is the inadequacy of optimism and
optimistic thinking. This type of thinking was popular among many philosophers
from Voltaire’s time, particularly the concept that “everything is for the best in this
best of all possible worlds,” which is an idea embodied by the protagonist’s
teacher, Pangloss, in Voltaire's story. Challenging this doctrine, the protagonist
shares stories of his own struggles and those of other characters with his teacher.

4. As Candide continues telling his tale of struggles, he becomes more and more
disillusioned with the optimism shown by Pangloss. This echoes Voltaire’s own
disillusionment with optimism and explores his criticism of the idea that God is a
benevolent and kind being. However, despite his point that optimistic thought is
problematic, Voltaire does not advocate for pessimism either. Rather, he
encourages people to take charge of their free will and choose whether they want
to be happy or not instead of waiting for divine intervention.