All is Fair in Love, War and Ignorance

In Ancient Rome, the Emperor and the Patricians watched as gladiators fought for their lives in the ring, not only against each other, animals were sometimes involved for the mere entertainment of the people in the higher classes. After the Roman Empire collapsed, this injustice could still be seen in the inquisition, which killed thousands of people over suspicions and religious prejudices.

As is usual in every aspect of the human society, the people who were not suffering were indifferent to the suffering of the people being burned at the stake. As a species, we tend to want equality but still hope the best is given to us, we enjoy as other people suffer as long as this doesn’t affect the way we live. In Candide, this aspect of humanity is clearly illustrated when Lady Cunégonde is telling her story and she says: “I had an excellent seat, and delicious refreshments were served to the ladies between Mass and the execution.” (pg. 42)

As the man she loves is being whipped, this lady is offered various drinks and nourishment that keep her happy, and all this because she holds the affection of two of the most important man in town, which she ironically despises.

Furthermore, in these chapters of the book, Voltaire also targets the ignorance of humanity, and the length to which people will go to solve problems that have no solution.

“…the sight of a few people ceremoniously burned alive before a slow fire was an infallible prescription for preventing earthquakes; so when the earthquake had subsided after destroying three-quarters of Lisbon, the authorities of that country could find no surer means of avoiding total ruin than by giving the people a magnificent auto-da-fé.” (pg. 36)

This quote attacks human kind as much as it attacks the inquisition. Not only does it ridicule the idea that burning people solves any problems, it also ridicules any human who has ever done something irrational to solve a problem. Any type of ritual sacrifice is ironically murdered in this phrase, as is the thought of Inquisition, irrational beliefs and in a way, religion.