Philosophy Meets Desire

In Voltaire's story Candide, the whole plot and scheme of things is about philosophy, and desire. In the beginning Candide learns from his mentor,Pangloss, that life has a certain meaning. Candide absorbed Pangloss's lectures and took to heart what he was taught; "that there cannot possibly be an effect without a cause" (Voltaire 521). When Candide encounters horrible and devastating events, does he throw his hands up and lament? No. He keeps strong to his beliefs. However, throughout Candide's travels he continues to see things through naive eyes. He stay firm to his dream of being with Cunegonde. When Candide stumbles across a city called Eldorado, which is extremely wealthy and loaded riches, he finds it hard to believe. During his duration there he realizes that this place could be the best place for him. He recalls the wisdom bestowed upon him by Pangloss and ponders; "[t]his probably is the country where everything is for the best; for it's absolutely necessary that such a country should exist somewhere" (Voltaire 548). Oh really? Then why does Candide leave? He desires this "best of all possible worlds" with his Cunegonde (Voltaire 521). For this reason he cannot exist without her. Even though he has no way of knowing her current status or situation he is willing to go to great lengths just to full fill his desire. However, throughout this story Candide seems almost on the brink of happiness, yet he keeps having the carpet pulled out from under his feet. Does he through in the towel and call it quits? No. He strongly believes what he was taught by his beloved Pangloss.