JULY CHALLENGE

                                                          CANDIDE by VOLTAIRE

At end all you can do is to work.

My first post would have been a more optimistic book. However, this book is a thought-provoking and interesting exploration of philosophy and plot. As a witty and satirical work on the philosophy of optimism,Candide offers ultimate entertainment and profound views on life's pessimism.

Though it's brief (not more than 100 pages), this little book has been translated into many languages and is recognized as one of the masterpieces of French literature. A few lines I love from  Candide include: 

"If this is the best of all possible worlds, where then are the others?

"God has punished the knave, but the devil has drowned the rest."

Candide is a great depiction of human perversity, with optimism overthrown by life itself. No will is needed; all you need to do is grow your garden. The only way to escape from human sorrows is to work. And why? So that we can relinquish ourselves from two elements of evil: need and boredom.

How do you fell about this masterpiece? Share your comments below.