Candide Quotes

Candide Quote of the day

Dogs, monkeys, and parrots are a thousand times less miserable than we are.

I read only to please myself, and enjoy only what suits my taste.

What! Have you no monks to teach, to dispute, to govern, to intrigue and to burn people who do not agree with them?

Optimism," said Cacambo, "What is that?" "Alas!" replied Candide, "It is the obstinacy of maintaining that everything is best when it is worst.

It is love; love, the comfort of the human species, the preserver of the universe, the soul of all sentient beings, love, tender love.

I'm not Candide, nor Dr Pangloss, but we know that faith moves mountains.

"You're a bitter man," said Candide. "That's because I've lived," said Martin.

But for what purpose was the earth formed?" asked Candide. "To drive us mad," replied Martin.

What a pessimist you are!" exclaimed Candide. "That is because I know what life is," said Martin.

It's a book that makes me laugh and think - it would be very hard to like someone who didn't enjoy Candide!

Rereading Candide, I was struck by the link between optimism and the optimal, the idea that we have been placed in this optimal world rather than some other.

Excellently observed", answered Candide; "but let us cultivate our garden.

Candide is one of those books I read when I was young and that I come back to regularly.

Also, everyone thinks they know Candide - you hear people described as 'Panglossian'. So if Candide appears on a poster, it feels familiar.

My dear young lady, when you are in love, and jealous, and have been flogged by the Inquisition, there's no knowing what you may do.