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I did it. And, surprisingly, I enjoyed it.
I mean, I like old books, so maybe it’s not surprising. This was my first philosophy book. Is it appropriate to say I found it funny? I can see how Voltaire and Swift got along. There were definite hints of Gulliver and “A Modest Proposal” here.
I won’t nitpick the believability since it’s philosophy and it’s not the plot that matters. As my husband reminded me, Jesus’s parables have no plot either, so Voltaire gets a pass. I’m glad I read it!
I mean, I like old books, so maybe it’s not surprising. This was my first philosophy book. Is it appropriate to say I found it funny? I can see how Voltaire and Swift got along. There were definite hints of Gulliver and “A Modest Proposal” here.
I won’t nitpick the believability since it’s philosophy and it’s not the plot that matters. As my husband reminded me, Jesus’s parables have no plot either, so Voltaire gets a pass. I’m glad I read it!
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I am often intimidated by the classics, thinking I will have to invest more mentally than I am prepared to do. But then I read something like Candide, and find that it's much simpler than I expected. Don Quixote, little Lazarillo and our brave Candide should go have a picnic together.
« Travaillons sans raisonner, dit Martin ; c'est le seul moyen de rendre la vie supportable. »
2.5 stars. Reread of a classic that I read in secondary school... almost 20 years ago?
Much of the satirical humor holds up from it's publication roughly 250 years ago. Much of the wisdom comes in the last 20-30 pages. However reading this in a unnaturally cynical time was not the best choice.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5 stars - Dry, silly humor straight out of the 1750’s
Review en Français • en Español • in English
Un conte philosophique ou un roman, une définition de l’optimisme ou de l’ironie, un dictionnaire du mal ou une leçon de vie? Ce livre que Voltaire ne considérait que comme une « couillonnade » ne cesse de s’imposer comme classique.
—
¿Un cuento filosófico o una novela, una definición del optimismo or de la ironía, un diccionario del mal o una lección de vida? Este libro, considerado como superfluo por Voltaire, no deja de imponerse como clásico.
—
A philosophical tale or a novel, a definition of optimism or of irony, a dictionary of evil or a life lesson? This book, considered by Voltaire like a trifle, doesn’t cease imposing itself as a classic.
Un conte philosophique ou un roman, une définition de l’optimisme ou de l’ironie, un dictionnaire du mal ou une leçon de vie? Ce livre que Voltaire ne considérait que comme une « couillonnade » ne cesse de s’imposer comme classique.
—
¿Un cuento filosófico o una novela, una definición del optimismo or de la ironía, un diccionario del mal o una lección de vida? Este libro, considerado como superfluo por Voltaire, no deja de imponerse como clásico.
—
A philosophical tale or a novel, a definition of optimism or of irony, a dictionary of evil or a life lesson? This book, considered by Voltaire like a trifle, doesn’t cease imposing itself as a classic.