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Candide by Voltaire follows a young man, Candide, whose sheltered life is upended when he is expelled from a luxurious castle. He embarks on a journey across the world, facing war, natural disasters, and suffering, while clinging to the optimistic teachings of his tutor, Pangloss. Eventually, Candide realizes that the world is full of pain and disillusionment, leading him to conclude that the best response to life’s hardships is to “cultivate our garden”—focusing on practical work rather than idealism.

Candide was banned due to its satirical critique of religion, the aristocracy, and philosophical optimism. Voltaire mocks the Catholic Church, exposes the absurdity of war, and challenges the idea that everything happens for the best. Its irreverence and bold criticism of societal institutions made it controversial and subject to censorship, especially in Catholic and authoritarian countries.