This
statement related to the central theme of the novel: Happiness and contentment can
only be achieved by concentrating on peace and well-being within one's self, rather than seeking
adventures/riches/material goods to manufacture happiness.
Throughout his life,has struggled with Pangloss' philosophy of optimism, attempting to
reconcile what he's been taught with what he sees before him. How to explain war, murder,
starvation, rape, poverty, etc., when one's philosophy holds that "everything is for the
best in the best of all possible worlds"? It is only at the end, when Candide meets the old
man who is happy on his farm, that he realizes one can only be content with those around them if
they are striving to achieve happiness within, rather than without. All of the futile attempts
to gain happiness through riches, religion, marriage, etc., have all failed. Instead, Candide
combines the teachings of his two influences, Pangloss and Martin, to a belief in the power of a
simple life, a life that can bring true inner contentment.
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