#858

Mentioned in 24 episodes

Candide

Book • 1759

Author

François-Marie Arouet

Author

Voltaire

Candide, written by Voltaire, is a satirical novel that critiques metaphysical optimism, particularly the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz.

The story revolves around Candide, a naive and optimistic young man who is expelled from his home after an illicit affair with the baron's daughter, Cunégonde.

Candide and his companions, including his tutor Pangloss, experience a series of horrific events such as wars, earthquakes, slavery, and other atrocities.

Despite these hardships, Pangloss persists in his belief that 'all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.

' The novel ultimately concludes with Candide and his friends settling on a farm in Turkey, where they find happiness by focusing on practical, everyday tasks rather than philosophical speculations.

Voltaire uses satire to lampoon various aspects of 18th-century society, including science, philosophy, religion, and government.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 24 episodes

Mentioned by

Eric Zimmer

as a source of inspiration for the concept of 'tending one's garden' and focusing on personal control amidst chaos.

71 snips

How to Nurture Creativity in a Noisy World with Maggie Smith

Mentioned by

John F. Demartini

in relation to Leibniz's ideas about the best of all possible worlds.

52 snips

Discover the Purpose of Life: Mastering Emotional Intelligence with the Demartini Method : 1212

Mentionné par

François Asselineau

comme un livre qui l'a aidé à apprécier son propre pays.

36 snips

François Asselineau : Frexit : Le Destin de la France Face aux Dangers de l’Europe ?

Mentioned by

Rick Hanson

when discussing the concept of conspicuous consumption.

36 snips

Creating an Abundance Mindset

Mentioned by

Ada Palmer

in the context of comparing it to Diderot's Jacques the Fatalist.

31 snips

Ada Palmer on Viking Metaphysics, Contingent Moments, and Censorship

Mentioned by

Angela Duckworth

as a book she read in French class, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what one can control.

24 snips

132. Is It Wrong to Enjoy Yourself While the World Is Burning?

Mentioned by

Susan Neiman

as an example of an Enlightenment text that critiques European politics, feudal hierarchies, slavery, and colonialism.

21 snips

Life-Long Leftist Philosopher Susan Neiman on how Wokeism Assaults and Subverts Traditional Left-Wing Politics

Mentioned by

Gary Stevenson

in relation to the concept of 'the best of all possible worlds'.

18 snips

They're teaching economics wrong – full interview with Ha-Joon Chang

Mentioned by Jordan Peterson in relation to the question of whether it's better to be a happy pig or an unhappy philosopher.

18 snips

The Crisis of Masculinity

Mentioned by

Carl Jensen

as one of his favorite books, highlighting a quote about the importance of purpose.

16 snips

Is Retirement Overrated? - Happy #2 | MHFI 268

Mentioned by Camille when contrasting it with the US Constitution, emphasizing focus on actual progress.

13 snips

Emergency Podcast - Elon goes nuclear on Trump.

Mentioned by

John Podhoretz

as an example of a book used by Candide Spence to figure out the meaning of life.

12 snips

Why Are Liberals So Unhappy?

Recommended by

Sumit Paul-Choudhury

as a book that sets up two different strands of optimism.

12 snips

1051: Channeling Optimism as a Superpower with Sumit Paul-Choudhury

Mentionné comme l'œuvre la plus connue de Voltaire, critiquant le régime politique et l'idée d'un Dieu bienveillant.

Des personnalités qui ont fait la France 2/3 - Neuf écrivains ✍️

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

in the context of Panglossian optimism.

Is it Resilience, or Are You Just Naive? | Ask Daily Stoic

Mentioned by

Angela Duckworth

while reflecting on her approach to teaching and societal change.

88. Is Self-Improvement Too Selfish?

Mentioned by

Sarah Bakewell

as an Enlightenment figure who emphasized practical action to reduce human suffering.

231 | Sarah Bakewell on the History of Humanism

Referenced by

Victor Davis Hanson

when mentioning Voltaire's Candide.

Where Powell Stands, Beating Mamdani, and the Fallout from Butler

Mentioned by

Mitchell Sorkin

as his favorite book.

How To Buy ATM Machines and Build a $10M EBITDA Business | Mitchell Sorkin Interview

Recommended by

Stephen Meredith

as an entertaining read that critiques Leibniz's philosophy.

Disease and the Problem of Evil | Prof. Stephen C. Meredith

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

Get the app