The use of satire in Candide by VoltaireSatire. According to Dictionary.com, it is "the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, especially in the context of contemporary politics and other current issues”. At a time when going against the common mindset, which at the time was philosophical optimism, was rare and often despised, using satire in order not only to communicate one's beliefs, but also to mocking those who shared the dominant school of thought was essential. The use of satire in Voltaire's Candide contributes to the exposure of his pessimistic mindset towards the social, religious, philosophical, political and scientific beliefs that were favored during the Age of Enlightenment. Going against the grain and clearly expressing one's opinions wasn't just Voltaire's goal. specialty, but also his career. When he wrote his novel in 1759, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's idea of ​​philosophical optimism was very popular. Leibniz, like many others, believed that Earth was the best of all possible worlds. As explained in an article on Leibniz published by the University of Idaho, he believed that because God created the world and God is not only all-powerful but also all-knowing and all-good, he would create a world with a minimal harm. However, since only God can be truly perfect, our world is not perfect, but it is the best it can be. The article states: “Leibniz is not interested in the world he observes but in the world that his mathematical formula can prove.” Leibniz ignored the problems and flaws of society that were so clearly before him because his logic made them impossible. This is where the conflict between Leibniz and Voltaire arises. Voltai...... middle of paper ......rs is their inability to change their mindset despite their experiences. The old woman, Cunégonde, and Martin all learn from their tortures and change their beliefs to disregard philosophical optimism because of them. Candide and Pangloss's failure to do so results in even more obstacles to face. What was once considered a scandalous notion is now commonplace, and Voltaire's use of satire in Candide contributed to this transition. His blatant ridicule of philosophical optimism allowed people to recognize the flaws in the ideology. This led people to further research and develop different philosophies, some of which are still honored today. Although Candide was written in response to the Age of Enlightenment, its revolutionary ideas and concepts have had an impact throughout history and into the present day, and will continue to do so in the future..