Before the Onion there was Candide
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"Therefore, those who maintained that all is well have been talking nonsense: they should have maintained that all is for the best."
- Dr. Pangloss
"Candide" (pg 18)
In Voltaire's Candide, the philosophy of Candide's teacher Dr. Pangloss is introduced early, and is a recurring theme throughout the novel. Dr. Pangloss maintains that "everything is for the best in this the best of all possible worlds." These words have a great impact on the young, nave Candide. And when Candide is unceremoniously kicked out of the castle of Baron Thunder-ten-tronckh of Westphalia, his adventures take him all over the world. Through his travels, Candide finds more and more evidence that contradicts his beloved teacher's philosophy. Voltaire does this on purpose...