Candide is a French satirical novella written by the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire. First published in 1759, the work follows the experiences of a young man named Candide who is raised in a sheltered, idyllic environment and taught the philosophy of Leibnizian optimism by his mentor, Professor Pangloss.
The narrative tracks Candide's journey as he is thrust out of his secluded life into the world, where he undergoes a process of painful disillusionment while witnessing various hardships. The story concludes with Voltaire advocating for a practical approach to life, summarized by the precept "we must cultivate our garden," as an alternative to Pangloss's mantra that "all is for the best" in the "best of all possible worlds."