Showing results for "Voltaire" in Literary History & Criticism

Candide by Voltaire. Candide, by Voltaire, is a satirical novella published in 1759 that critiques philosophical optimism, particularly the idea that "all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds". The story follows the naive protagonist, Candide, as he endures a series of horrific and absurd misfortunes, leading him to reject his tutor Pangloss's optimistic teachings and ultimately conclude that the key to happiness is to "cultivate one's garden". It is a sharp, witty, and often dark satire of religion, government, philosophy, and human nature.

Col. Ingersoll begins his lectures on famous people as follows: "It is hard to overstate the debt we owe to the men and women of genius. Take from our world what they have given, and all the niches would be empty, all the walls naked—meaning and connection would fall from words of poetry and fiction, music would go back to common air, and all the forms of subtle and enchanting Art would lose proportion and become the unmeaning waste and shattered spoil of thoughtless Chance." One of the most famous orators of his day, a contemporary and personal friend of Mark Twain and General Grant, ...

Join us on a thought-provoking journey through Voltaires classic tale, Candide, where optimism meets reality in a world filled with absurdity and adventure. Discover the trials and tribulations of our naive protagonist as he navigates through a series of misfortunes that challenge his unwavering belief in a benevolent universe.

Voltaire spent his early thirties in England as an exile following the Bastille imprisonment for his satires. With passionate admiration, he then wrote this series of letters in English putting forward his views on the 18th century England, in contrast with the feudal society of his home country, encompassing aspects of religion, politics, sciences, and literature. The book was published in England and the free England received these philosophical, political, critical, poetical, heretical, and diabolical letters with delight, whereas in France, the book was denounced and publicly burnt in ...

Explore the tumultuous journey through optimism and disillusionment as suggested by this iconic title. Expect philosophical debates, biting satire, and a relentless quest for meaning in a world that challenges idealistic beliefs. This podcast offers a rotating collection of complete audiobooks, each week introducing a new work that spans diverse perspectives, eras, and narrative styles. It's not a single story but a series of voices that invite listeners to question, reflect, and perhaps laugh at the absurdity of life's trials. Tune in for weekly updates, and satisfy your curiosity about the ...

"there is no Evil under the Sun, but some Good proceeds from it:" -- this quote from this novel sums it up. One of Voltaire's most celebrated works, Zagig follows the plight of a young man, Zadig, as he embarks on matrimony. This tale is somewhat philosophical, suggesting that no matter how we act, we are confronted by bigotry, injustice and betrayal. Although set in Babylon, there is no attempt at historical accuracy.

Candide by Voltaire. Candide is the story of a gentle man who, though pummeled and slapped in every direction by fate, clings desperately to the belief that he lives in "the best of all possible worlds." On the surface a witty, bantering tale, this eighteenth-century classic is actually a savage, satiric thrust at the philosophical optimism that proclaims that all disaster and human suffering is part of a benevolent cosmic plan. Fast, funny, often outrageous, the French philosopher's immortal narrative takes Candide around the world to discover that — contrary to the teachings of his ...

Dive into Beccarias influential treatise, On Crimes and Punishments, a groundbreaking work that challenges the severity and irrationality of criminal penalties. It particularly criticizes torture and the death penalty. Regarded as the pinnacle of Enlightenment in Milan, this treatise profoundly influenced policy makers in Britain, America, and France. Included in this podcast is an anonymous commentary, believed to be by Voltaire, providing an enriching perspective on the text.

Since its publication in 1759, Voltaires Candide has been a delightful satire that pokes fun at the idea that we live in the best of all possible worlds. Written in just three days, this timeless classic has continued to bring laughter and provoke thought for generations. Join us as we explore the enduring charm and wit of Voltaires masterpiece. - Summary by Philip Littell

Zadig, ou La Destinée, is a renowned novel penned by the French Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire in 1747. Set in ancient Babylonia, it follows the adventures of Zadig, a philosopher navigating a world rife with challenges that mirror the social and political issues of Voltaires time. While the narrative is not historically precise, it delves into profound philosophical themes, portraying human existence as governed by an uncontrollable destiny. The tale explores the concepts of religious and metaphysical orthodoxy, as Voltaire boldly critiques these ideas through the transformative journey ...