Voltaire was a philosopher, and an author in his life of 84 years (1694-1778). Early in his life he thought optimistically, but as time went on and significant things happened in his life he started leading more toward pessimism. During his life many historical events happened, such as the Enlightenment. Voltaire’s most read book, Candide, shows and pokes fun at optimism in the 18th Century. Voltaire was a French writer and philosopher, who was one …showed first 75 words of 1153 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1153 total…of all possible worlds. After the Lisbon disaster Voltaire starts thinking more pessimistically because he notices that if this were “ the best of all possible worlds” then why would such a tragedy occur. During the 18th Century optimism and pessimism were very significant with how people thought about Voltaire. Voltaire was marked by his thoughts on optimism and pessimism. Voltaire’s most read book, Candide, shows and pokes fun at optimism in the 18th Century.