Showing results for "Voltaire" in Literature & Fiction

Candide, is a French satire written in 1759 by Voltaire, a philosopher of the Age of Enlightenment. One of the finest satires ever written, this lively tale follows the absurdly melodramatic adventures of the youthful Candide, who is forced into the army, flogged, shipwrecked, betrayed, robbed, separated from his beloved Cunégonde, and tortured by the Inquisition. As Candide witnesses calamity upon calamity, he becomes disillusioned and discovers that all is not always for the best....

Voltaire, einer der schärfsten Denker der Aufklärung, veröffentlichte Candide im Jahr 1759 – ein Jahr, das nicht zufällig gewählt war. Europa war erschüttert vom Siebenjährigen Krieg, das Erdbeben von Lissabon 1755 hatte die metaphysischen Fundamente der Theodizee erschüttert, und die katholische Kirche stand zunehmend unter intellektuellem Beschuss. In diesem Kontext entfaltet Candide seine subversive Kraft: als satirischer Roman, als philosophisches Pamphlet und als literarisches Meisterwerk. Im Zentrum der Erzählung steht die Figur des Dr.

Discover why intellectuals and historians alike consider Voltaire to be one of the most intriguing, influential, and elusive thinkers of the modern world. Focusing on the deepest, most enduring aspects of Voltaire's work and thought, but never losing sight of the colorful, fascinating man himself, these 12 lectures sketch for you a vibrant, thought-provoking vision of Voltaire as "the father of the Enlightenment" and one of the great literary personalities of all time.

Candide is a sharp, unflinching critique of government, society, religion, education, and, most notably, the philosophy of optimism. Under the guidance of Dr. Pangloss, Candide and Cunegonde are taught that everything in this world happens for the best—a belief that quickly unravels as life throws its harsh lessons their way. This novel is not only brilliant and hilarious but also blasphemous, with Voltaire cleverly maintaining the mystery of authorship.

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

Voltaire's razor-sharp satire on philosophical optimism, Candide, is coupled here with another of the author's most celebrated works, Zadig. Both challenge the moral and philosophical orthodoxies of the day with humor and sly wit, while parodying the clichéd formulas of so many contemporary novels.

One of France's greatest writers, Voltaire was frequently persecuted for his ideas and as a result, spent time in the famed Bastille. He fled his native land for England in 1726, at which time he witnessed the differences between the two countries. His celebrated Letters on England was first published in that nation in 1733 and contained 24 succinct letters on subjects ranging from religion and politics, to trade, the arts, philosophy, and science.

Voltaire’s "Candide" is a darkly comedic tale of a young man’s adventures in a harshly indifferent world. This episode examines Voltaire’s scathing satire of optimism, faith, and the search for happiness, as well as his pointed critiques of society, religion, and philosophy. A compelling listen for those drawn to humor laced with philosophical insight and social critique.

Pangloss would have been right at home in a post-truth, social media world. You can imagine the tweets, “I was hanged and survived #soggyrope,” or, “#nosyphilisnochocolate.” Candide, written in 1759, was never more relevant than today. Blind obeisance and denial, barbarous villainy, greed, and rapacity, are all in a day’s toil for the young Candide. And this is in the best of all possible worlds!

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.

In the tradition of his very popular Candide, Zadig is what might be called a "philosophical tale." Zadig, a handsome young man with a fine education, is puzzled by the uncertainties of his destiny. He attains great success in government but is unsuccessful in love. Despite his wisdom and shrewdness, he meets with a number of misfortunes. The central question of the story is, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

Càndid, la més cèlebre de les novel·les de Voltaire, és l’exemple més reeixit de narració filosòfica, un gènere sorgit amb la Il·lustració. A través del personatge del jove Càndid, Voltaire formula la pregunta present en tota la seva obra: per què existeix el mal?

Der Magier Mambres ist 1300 Jahre alt und hat schon Moses auf dessen Denkfehler hingewiesen. Im Laufe seines Lebens hat er natürlich einen ziemlich großen Bekanntenkreis aufgebaut und kennt Hexen, Fakire, den Hund vom Engel Gabriel, Böcke, die Sünden auf sich laden, den Fisch, der Jonasverschlungen hat und viele andere skurrile Geschöpfe unter Gottes beschränktem Himmel. Zu seinen leichtesten Übungen gehört es noch, Wasser in Blut oder Licht in Finsternis zu verwandeln.

In Candide oder Der Optimismus zieht Voltaire mit spitzer Feder gegen den naiven Weltglauben seiner Zeit zu Felde. Der junge Candide durchlebt Krieg, Erdbeben, Inquisition, Raub, Betrug – und bleibt dabei stets seinem optimistischen Lehrsatz treu. Doch die Realität holt ihn ein. Und Voltaire? Der malt ein düsteres, oft komisches und radikal kritisches Bild der Welt – in einer Novelle, die ebenso philosophisch wie unterhaltsam ist.

The legendary ironic insightful classic by Voltaire, considered the greatest artistic genius of his era. Introducing the legendary, best-of-all-possible-worlds Pangloss. A whirlwind trip around the globe with irony, wit, insight, genius, and more at each stop.

These two classic coming-of-age stories by Voltaire parody the romanticism of his day with the ruthless wit that has made him the undisputed master of social commentary.

Paris, janvier 1907. Albert arpente frénétiquement les rues du 11e arrondissement. Marthe, la fillette de 12 ans qu'il accompagnait à un spectacle de music-hall à Ba-Ta-Clan, s'est volatilisée. Avec Marissi, la mère de l'enfant, il se rend au commissariat afin de signaler la disparition. Alors que les plus hautes instances de l'État envisagent l'abolition de la peine de mort, l'enquête sur la disparition de Marthe piétine et l'opinion publique gronde.

If we were as tiny as ants to another being, what would they make of our philosophies? The great satirist Voltaire imagines alien visitors who have opinions. Bedtime stories are narrated by the world's most celebrated voices and written with no beginning, middle, or end so you don't stay up to hear what happens next. They're interesting enough to give your mind something to focus on, but delivered in a way that encourages sleep.

Candide and his tutor Pangloss travel the globe trying to follow the philosophy "All is for the best in this, the best of all possible worlds". However, they are stung and let down at every turn, being robbed, tortured, and ridiculed, amongst other trials. On hearing about their often disasterous travels, a listener feels unfortunately less than empathetic, and can't help themselves laughing out loud at this very funny account of the trail our optimistic travellers take.

Brought to you by Penguin. This Penguin Classic is performed by Ben Lloyd-Hughes, best known for Divergent, Me Before You and The Inbetweeners. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Michael Wood. Brought up in the household of a powerful Baron, Candide is an open-minded young man...