Candide

The narrative follows Candide, a young man whose idyllic life is shattered, leading him on a journey filled with suffering and disillusionment. Influenced by his mentor Pangloss, who preaches unwavering optimism, Candide encounters the harsh realities of life that challenge this philosophy. Ultimately, Voltaire presents a nuanced perspective, suggesting that rather than blindly adhering to optimism, one should focus on practical efforts and personal responsibility, encapsulated in the advice to "cultivate our garden."