Introduction: What Voltaire's Candide Can Teach us About Life
This post was inspired by Insead's “What do Voltaire and Social Media Have in Common?” Candide
by Voltaire is one of those books that's a staple on the lists of must-read books (Review of Candide by Voltaire). Insead's post reminded me of how much I enjoyed Candide, so I thought I would reflect on it for a bit, and see what the character Candide can teach us about life. Most people are struck by the way the story ends, “we must cultivate our garden.” What does that statement mean to you?
Have you read?
Like any typical person, the character Candide has been through many challenges in life, and he has lost his riches. The only thing he has left is a garden. He and his friends are bored because they have nothing to do, and one person is overworked because he is the only one cultivating the garden.
After speaking to an old, good man, they discover that he is living a fulfilled life because he and his children cultivate their land by themselves – they are always busy so they have no time to be bored. This is an epiphany, and a transformative moment for Candide, Martin and Pangloss.
“I also know,” said Candide, “that we must cultivate our garden.” “You are right,” said Pangloss; “for when man was put into the Garden of Eden, he was put there with the idea that he should work the land; and this proves that man was not born to be idle.” “Let's work, then without disputing,” says Martin. “It's the only way to make life bearable.”
Final Thought: What Voltaire's Candide Can Teach us About Life
When they change their ways and spend the time working on all the tasks they excel at, their lives improve considerably. Additionally, they yield a bountiful crop, and they are agreeable people. Cultivating our garden is used literally and metaphorically in Candide. If you invested the time to develop your talents, how much rewards might you reap? What Voltaire's Candide can teach us about life, is not to be idle, but to use the talents that we have been given.
Books by/about Voltaire
