As we read things in Candide like "everything is for the best in the best of all possible worlds" it is easy to think that the meaning is that this world is perfect and everything that happens is perfect, but really I think it's a little different than that. Candide says something like "yes, but we must cultivate our garden" which leads me to believe not that they believe this world is perfect, but it can be percieved as perfect if we do our best to tend to it and live the life we given. As in playing the hand you're dealt in poker. In texas hold 'em you don't recieve a "perfect" hand every time, but by playing right you can still win (even with the worst hand). So if the end which you are striving for is perfect (winning the hand), then whatever means you use to attain that end (playing the hand you're dealt) is also perfect? Not that I'm advocating using your end to justify your means, but if you reach your goal (which in essence every goal we set for ourselves is perfect because it is an end that we are striving for) than by whatever means you reach it must be perfect means (because they accomplished your objective and reached your goal). So not that this world is perfect, but the fact that we are striving to create a perfect world and live the life we've been given (ie; cultivating our gardens) would make our lives perfect. I read a quote that went something like this: "This time is a great time, if we but know what to do with it." So maybe this world isn't perfect, but if we strive to make it perfect and live out our purpose, we make it "perfect." A perfect world through the eyes of someone with imperfect perception ;) So maybe Voltaire is really just wanting people to live their lives and be optimistic in all their ends.
I commented on Jamie's
ReplyDeleteThat's the way to be optimistic! Just to expound on what you said:
ReplyDeleteThis world is not perfect by far, and there is nothing that man can do to make it perfect. The way we make a difference is by doing our best and striving to do our best with what has been given to us. God is definately there for us, but we can't always feel Him or see Him working. We just have to remember that He never leaves us and continue striving for what we believe in.