A Peculiar Monarch

Throughout the story, the character that provides us with the most insight regarding Voltaire and his views of the world is Pangloss. Sometimes literally, but more often through satire, we learn who Voltaire was and what he believed in through the words of this “wise” character.

“For it is impossible for things not to be where they are, because everything is for the best.” (pg 35).

This particular teaching made by Pangloss relates to the very beginning of the book, where this extraordinary teacher claims “It is proved…that things cannot be other than they are, for since everything was made for a purpose, it follows that everything was made for the best purpose.” (pg. 20).

Pangloss’ reasoning constitutes that everything that exists does so because that was the way it was meant to be. This connects to the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, where in one of his journeys, the Prince encounters an absolute monarch. This character rules over everything, yet he commands them to do what they are meant to do, which defeats the purpose. He has the power because all of his subjects obey him, since none of his orders can be disobeyed.

Both Pangloss and the King share the same reasoning, which as a matter of fact makes no sense. If one were to follow their train of thought, nothing would ever be done and humanity would be at a loss. We cannot wonder through life without doing anything, arguing that things are always the way they are meant to be. If everyone thought like they did, the human race would be at a standstill and progress would be impossible.

By criticizing this, Voltaire is stating that people need to change in order to succeed and move forward, and this is what the French Revolution, despite its many hardships, finally accomplished.