Candide

I just finished reading Candide, by Voltaire, for my Western Civilization II class. It's a quick read, and honestly, I really liked it. My roommate, on the other hand, stated that it was the "most retarded book we've ever had to read." I don't know if it was the satire and cynicism of it, or just that I was able to understand it. You know, a lot of time when you read authors from the 1700s you get a bit caught up in the language and literary style, but Candide was so simple!

Some things were helpful to know, like having some sort of philosophical foundation, or knowing a bit of the historical context. The writing style, however, was simple enough for an elementary school child to read. Of course, I would never recommend that a kid that age reads it. It is quite gruesome and does not keep anything back. I don't agree with a lot of what is said, but a great deal of it strikes a chord with me, and it is one of my new favorite books.

We have Nietzsche coming up next in class. That should be interesting.

Now just allow me to leave you with a portion of the book that is responsible for the new title of my blog. Pessimistic, I know, but I can't help it.

"I hope," said Martin, "that one day she will make you happy, but I doubt it very much." "You are very hard in your beliefs," said Candide. "It is because," said Martin, "I have seen the world."
- Voltaire p. 104